Sepsis is often called the “silent killer” because its early symptoms can mimic a severe flu or a stubborn cold. However, unlike a virus that runs its course, sepsis is a systemic explosion. It happens when your immune system, in an attempt to fight an infection, stops attacking the germs and starts attacking your own organs.
When this happens, you aren’t just fighting an illness; you are racing against a biological clock. Here is everything you need to know about the T.I.M.E. acronym and how to advocate for yourself.
Breakdown of the T.I.M.E. symptoms
T: Temperature
It’s not just a “high fever.” While a spike in temperature is common, hypothermia (an abnormally low body temperature) can actually be a more dangerous sign of sepsis. If you are shivering uncontrollably or your skin feels ice-cold to the touch despite having an infection, your body may be entering shock.
I: Infection
Sepsis always starts with an infection. This could be:
- A simple scrape or bug bite that turned red and swollen.
- A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
- Pneumonia or a lingering cough.
- Recent surgery or dental work.
M: Mental Decline
This is often the symptom that family members notice first. If a loved one becomes suddenly confused, disoriented, or “just doesn’t seem like themselves,” it’s a major red flag. In the elderly, this might look like extreme lethargy or an inability to hold a conversation.
E: Extremely Ill
This is the “gut feeling” symptom. Patients who have survived sepsis often report an overwhelming sense of impending doom. If you feel worse than you have ever felt in your life, specifically mentioning that you feel like you are dying, medical professionals need to take that seriously.
The science of the "Golden Hour"
The “Golden Hour” refers to the first 60 minutes after recognizing sepsis symptoms where treatment is most effective.
Fluid resuscitation: Sepsis causes blood pressure to drop dangerously low. IV fluids help maintain blood flow to vital organs.
Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are typically started immediately. Research shows that for every hour of delay in antibiotic administration, the risk of mortality increases by approximately 7% to 9%.
Are you at risk?
While anyone can get sepsis, certain groups are more vulnerable to the body’s overreaction:
- Adults age 65 or older
- Children younger than 1
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease)
- People who have recently been hospitalized
How to advocate in the ER
Emergency rooms are busy, and sepsis can be “stealthy.” If you suspect sepsis, you must be your own (or your loved one’s) loudest advocate.
Use the “S-Word”: Say, “I am concerned about sepsis.” This often triggers a specific hospital protocol that fast-tracks blood tests.
Provide the timeline: “They had a UTI two days ago, and this morning they became confused and have a fever of 103°F.”
Don’t leave: If you feel the situation is life-threatening, insist on a full evaluation before being discharged.
