Surviving sepsis is a big step – and recovery can take time.

Some people feel better quickly, while others need weeks or months to recover, and this is true for both adults and children.

If you have had major complications – like organ failure, time in intensive care, or a longer hospital stay – your recovery may take longer and sometimes there may be long-lasting effects called post sepsis syndrome (PSS).

Surviving sepsis – know you’re not alone

You or your child might feel tired, emotional, or not quite like yourself, and recovery can be hard on everyone in your family.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or worried after any serious illness, not just sepsis. Give it time and seek support as you need it – and know you are not alone.

Listen to Fiona who is a sepsis survivor and advocate, as she shares her personal journey which includes why it is important to spread the word about sepsis.

What to expect in recovery

Recovery time varies for each person. Generally, it can take a few weeks to a few months, but for some people it can take longer.

It is common to feel weak or very tired and need help with everyday tasks at first.

You might feel anxious and emotional, and some people feel scared it could happen again.

Children may need time before going back to school or childcare and might have trouble sleeping or concentrating.

All these symptoms usually get better over time but if you’re worried about yourself or your child, talk to your doctor (GP) or health care team.

Support after leaving hospital

Ask your hospital team what to expect at home and who to contact if you’re worried.

You or your child may need physical rehabilitation or specific care to continue for the weeks and months after discharge.

Support may include:

• physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• counselling for anxiety, low mood, fear or trauma
• support for children with behavioural or emotional changes
• practical assistance with transport, home care, returning to work or daily activities
• community support through peer groups and lived experience connections
• information and counselling for carers or loved ones to help with adjusting to life after sepsis
• information on sepsis and how to spot new or returning symptoms to get help early.

Before you leave hospital, appointments will be made with your GP and health care team.

It’s important to attend these appointments so your recovery can be monitored, and you can ask any questions.

Bereaved families

It can be a terrible shock if your relative dies of sepsis because the illness can move very quickly, and they may have been in good health before it happened.

It may be difficult for you to remember what happened, so it may help to ask the nurses and doctors about anything you don’t understand.

Talk to your GP and request a referral to a bereavement counsellor.

Another important first step is to contact sepsis support and advocacy groups who have lived experience with sepsis and with losing a loved one. 

Post sepsis syndrome

Some people don’t feel better after sepsis and can have long-term effects like fatigue, memory issues and physical symptoms which last months or years. This is called post sepsis syndrome (PSS), and it can affect people of any age, including children.

People who have suffered severe sepsis and especially those treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) are at greatest risk of suffering PSS.

Common symptoms of PSS include:

• feeling very tired, even after resting
• trouble with memory, concentration, or clear thinking (brain fog)
• mood changes like feeling anxious, low or tearful
• trouble sleeping or having upsetting dreams or nightmares
• ongoing pain, numbness or weakness in the body
• feeling breathless or easily worn out
• muscle or joint pain which can be severe and disabling
• worry or fear about getting sick again
• loss of confidence and self-belief
• changes in behaviour in children (clinginess, fear, quietness).

When you see a GP or nurse, let them know you had sepsis and that your symptoms may be part of PSS – not all health professionals are familiar with it.

PSS is real and can be treated – talk to your GP or health care team about what you’re feeling.

Ask for support services like counselling, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation.

There are also online forums so people affected by sepsis can connect and support each other.

Recovery takes time – be patient with yourself and ask for help when you need it.