Emergency Infection and Sepsis Treatment

Most people think of infection as something you should just push through. Rest up, drink fluids, take your antibiotics. And most of the time, that’s true, but there’s a point where infection stops being something your body can handle alone, and that point can arrive faster than you’d expect.

When an infection spreads, and your immune system goes into overdrive, it can start attacking your organs. That process is called sepsis, and it’s a medical emergency. Every hour without treatment increases the risk of serious complications. Knowing where to go and getting there fast can make all the difference.

At Complete Care, we offer emergency infection and sepsis treatment around the clock, with no appointments and no long waits. Our emergency-trained physicians can run bloodwork, imaging, and cultures right on-site to find the source of an infection quickly. From IV antibiotics and fluids to continuous monitoring, we provide the same level of care you’d expect from a hospital emergency room, without the hospital wait times.

If you or someone you love is running a high fever, feeling confused, shaking uncontrollably, or showing other signs of a serious infection, don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. Visit your nearest Complete Care freestanding ER location right away. 

We’re here, we’re ready, and we’ll take it from there.

For life-threatening situations, please call 911.

Table of Contents

• What is considered a serious infection?
• What are the most common causes of sepsis?
• What are the first warning signs of sepsis?
• How do they treat sepsis in the ER?
• Why choose Complete Care for sepsis treatment
• FAQs

What is considered a serious infection?

A serious infection is one that has spread beyond its original site, is not responding to basic treatment, or is beginning to affect how your body functions overall. Most infections stay localized and manageable. But when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream or overwhelm your immune system, the infection can escalate quickly into a systemic problem that requires emergency care.

The general rule is this: if an infection is getting worse instead of better, or if new symptoms are appearing on top of the original ones, that’s your signal to seek emergency care rather than waiting it out.

What are the most common causes of sepsis?

The most common causes of sepsis are bacterial infections, particularly those involving the urinary tract, lungs, abdomen, skin, and bloodstream. While any infection has the potential to trigger sepsis, bacterial infections are the most frequent culprit. Viral and fungal infections can also lead to sepsis, but less commonly.

Some infections are more likely to become serious than others:

• Urinary tract and kidney infections (learn more about kidney infections: when to go to the ER)
• Cellulitis
• Respiratory infections (including pneumonia*)
• Abdominal infections
• Bloodstream infections

Certain groups face a higher risk, including adults over 65, infants and young children, people with diabetes or cancer, those on immunosuppressant medications, and anyone who has recently had surgery or been hospitalized.

*Continue reading: When to go to the ER for symptoms of pneumonia

What are the first warning signs of sepsis?

The first warning signs of sepsis include a high or unusually low fever, a rapid heart rate, fast or difficult breathing, and a sudden sense of confusion or disorientation. These sepsis symptoms can appear quickly and may feel similar to a severe flu at first, which is part of what makes sepsis easy to underestimate in its early stages.

Other early signs to watch for include:

• Extreme fatigue or weakness that comes on suddenly
• Shaking or chills that you can’t control
• Skin that looks pale, blotchy, or has a grayish tone
• Decreased urination or dark-colored urine
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea alongside other symptoms
• Feeling faint or lightheaded when standing
• Severe left-side abdominal pain

As sepsis progresses, symptoms become more severe. Blood pressure can drop dangerously low, organs can begin to fail, and the condition can advance into septic shock, which is life-threatening. 

If you or someone around you is showing multiple symptoms at once, especially following a known infection, treat it as an emergency and seek care immediately.

How do they treat sepsis in the ER?

In the ER, sepsis is treated by identifying the source of infection, stopping its spread, and stabilizing the body’s vital functions as quickly as possible. Time is one of the most important factors in sepsis treatment and recovery. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Most emergency teams begin treatment within the first hour of a suspected sepsis diagnosis.

A standard sepsis treatment protocol typically includes the following steps:

• Blood and lab work: Multiple blood draws are taken to check for signs of infection, organ function, oxygen levels, and to identify the bacteria or organism responsible.
• Blood cultures: Samples are collected before antibiotics are given to help pinpoint the exact type of infection.
• IV antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered through an IV immediately, before lab results are fully back. The antibiotics may be adjusted once more specific results come in.
• IV fluids: Large volumes of fluid are given quickly to stabilize blood pressure and support organ function.
• Oxygen support: If oxygen levels are low, supplemental oxygen or breathing support may be provided.
• Vasopressors: If blood pressure remains critically low despite fluids, medications to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure may be used.
• Continuous monitoring: Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and urine output are tracked closely throughout treatment.

In cases where an abscess, infected tissue, or another physical source of infection is identified, surgical intervention may also be necessary. The goal at every stage is to remove the threat, support the body, and prevent the situation from progressing further.

Why choose Complete Care for sepsis treatment

No wait times, no appointments, no hassle

Complete Care gives you immediate access to emergency-level care without the wait times, crowded waiting rooms, or logistical stress of a traditional hospital ER. Our freestanding emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by emergency-trained physicians and equipped with the same diagnostic tools you’d find in a hospital setting. You walk in, you’re seen quickly, and our team gets to work right away.

Fast, on-site diagnostics

When it comes to infections and sepsis, fast diagnosis is everything. At Complete Care, we can run on-site labs, blood cultures, and imaging within minutes of your arrival. There’s no referral needed and no appointment required. The sooner we identify what’s happening, the sooner we can start treating it.

Transparent, straightforward billing

We understand that a trip to the ER can come with financial stress on top of everything else. Complete Care believes in transparent, fair pricing so you know what to expect without any surprises. We accept most major insurance plans and will verify your coverage when you arrive, so you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about the bill.

When something feels seriously wrong, you shouldn’t have to wait in line to find out what it is. Complete Care is here to make sure you don’t have to.

FAQs

How does a person get sepsis?

Sepsis develops when the body’s response to an existing infection becomes extreme and begins to damage its own tissues and organs. It most commonly starts with a bacterial infection in the lungs, urinary tract, abdomen, or skin that enters the bloodstream and triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. Anyone can develop sepsis, but those with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or untreated infections face the highest risk.

What bacteria causes sepsis?

The most common bacteria that cause sepsis are Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These bacteria are frequently responsible for infections in the lungs, urinary tract, and skin that can spread to the bloodstream if left untreated. While bacteria are the leading cause, sepsis can also be triggered by viral or fungal infections in some cases.

What are the three stages of sepsis?

The three stages of sepsis are sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. In the first stage, the body shows signs of infection combined with a systemic inflammatory response such as fever, rapid heart rate, and fast breathing. As it progresses to severe sepsis, organ function begins to decline, and in septic shock, blood pressure drops to dangerous levels, and the risk of death increases significantly.

Can you recover from sepsis?

Yes, many people recover from sepsis, especially when it is caught and treated early. Recovery time varies depending on how severe the case was, with some patients leaving the hospital within days and others requiring weeks of continued care. Some sepsis survivors experience lingering effects such as fatigue, muscle weakness, or cognitive difficulties, a condition sometimes referred to as post-sepsis syndrome.

Serious infections can’t wait, and neither should you

Sepsis moves fast. The difference between a full recovery and a life-threatening emergency can come down to how quickly you act. If something feels off, whether it’s a fever that won’t break, chills you can’t shake, or confusion that came out of nowhere, that’s your sign to move. Don’t talk yourself out of it.

Complete Care provides emergency infection and sepsis treatment at freestanding ER locations across Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no appointments and no waiting in line. Walk in, and we’ll take it from there.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes to help you better understand health conditions and emergency care, but it is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or a substitute for professional medical evaluation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. The content on this site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be relied upon as the basis for any medical decision. Complete Care’s 24/7 freestanding emergency rooms are staffed with emergency physicians ready to provide immediate, in-person evaluation and treatment when you need it most.