September 21, 2026, 11:30 am | Read time: 2 minutes
More than 35,000 people die annually in Germany from sepsis, the most severe form of an infection. If left untreated, blood poisoning is always fatal. How you can recognize the warning signs yourself—and why quick help saves lives.
In Germany, according to the Patient Safety Action Alliance, one person dies from sepsis every six minutes.
Recognize Blood Poisoning in 4 Simple Steps
The campaign #GermanyRecognizesSepsis has developed a mnemonic to help ensure that symptoms of sepsis in severe infections are not overlooked in oneself or others:
- Touch your head: Is thinking difficult? Confusion and disorientation can be warning signs.
- Place your hand on your chest: Is breathing difficult? Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing are critical.
- Place your hand on your heart: Is your pulse racing? A rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure are also signs.
- Feel your body: Do you feel deathly ill? Unexplained severe pain or an extreme state of illness should be alarming.
Sepsis is an acute emergency. If one or more of these symptoms occur with an existing infection, emergency services (112) or the medical on-call service (116 117) should be contacted immediately.
Particularly insidious: There is no single typical sepsis symptom. Many affected individuals describe an exceptionally severe feeling of illness—“sicker than ever before.” Additionally, fever, chills, extreme weakness, and cold or mottled-looking hands, arms, legs, and feet may occur. Special attention should be paid if an infection is present or has recently occurred and the condition suddenly worsens significantly.1
By the way, one should not wait for the supposedly typical red streak that moves toward the heart on the skin. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a clear sign of “blood poisoning.” It can instead indicate an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, known as lymphangitis. This also requires medical treatment and can, in rare cases, lead to sepsis.2
Unsure? Online Check Can Help
On its website, the #GermanyRecognizesSepsis campaign offers two checklists for identifying risk factors and signs of infection. Here, you can select factors and indicate symptoms. You will then receive an assessment that can help in recognizing sepsis:
- Go to the Checklist for Adults.
- Go to the Checklist for Children.