Sepsis

Also called septicemia, or blood poisoning.  Illness resulting from a pathogen or toxin spreading through the bloodstream.  Symptoms can include fever and chills, low body temperature, mental changes, low blood pressure, shock, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and pale skin.  May progress to organ and respiratory failure and death.  Treatment varies according type and source of infection.  Typically hospitalization is required and intravenous antibiotics or other antimicrobials, intravenous fluids, and oxygen are given.  In some cases surgery may be needed to remove the source of infection.