Your blood can get infected when bacteria or other germs get into the bloodstream. This can happen when you have intravenous (IV) fluids (an infusion), a shot (injection), or a blood transfusion. Sepsis is the medical term for an infection of the blood.
Usually the infection is caused by bacteria. The blood may get infected when an IV line or shot is given through an infected area of skin. It may also happen when an infection from one part of the body is spread to the injection site.
There are always bacteria on the skin and on the surfaces of most objects. This is why healthcare providers clean the skin to kill bacteria before they give a shot or IV. They also use gloves and sterilized instruments and equipment to prevent spread of bacteria and viruses.
Infection of the blood is more common in people whose immune systems are not working well because of cancer treatment (radiation or chemotherapy), immune-suppressing drugs (for transplants or autoimmune diseases), chronic disease, or immune-suppressing infections (such as HIV).
Symptoms of a blood infection include:
Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms and will examine you. You will have blood tests. You may also have a urine test and a chest X-ray (to check for signs of lung infection).
A blood infection is treated with intravenous antibiotics. You may also need oxygen or IV fluids.
The symptoms usually last about 2 to 5 days after the start of treatment. Even when the symptoms are gone, it is important to finish the full antibiotic treatment to make sure all bacteria have been killed.
