A virus is a tiny agent (germ) that lives inside living cells, or host cells. Viruses need living cells to replicate or reproduce. There are thousands of viruses, some more common than others. For example, the common cold and the flu are viruses, but so are COVID-19, Ebola and HIV. Viral infections that may be minor in healthy individuals can be quite severe for people who have a weakened immune system. Almost any virus can lead to sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Suggested Citation:
Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and Viral Infections. 2024. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/viral-infections/
Updated June 18, 2024.
More About Viral infections
Examples
Viruses “hijack” normal, living cells in your body. They use these cells to replicate and multiply, eventually destroying the host cell – this is what makes you sick. Unlike bacterial infections that respond to antibiotics, viral infections are not so easy to treat. Many, like colds, run their course and your body heals on its own, but others, like HIV, do not.
Some of the more common viruses include:
- COVID-19
- Influenza (the flu)
- HIV, which can lead to AIDS
- Meningitis (there is also bacterial meningitis)
- Pneumonia (there is also bacterial pneumonia)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Herpes
- Rotavirus
- Chicken pox
The name of one type of infection, septic arthritis, may be confusing to some people because it is not sepsis, despite its name. Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid. However, this type of infection can also lead to sepsis. It can be caused by viruses, as well as other microbes.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a viral infection depend on what virus you have and how it affects your body. Here are a few examples:
Influenza:
- Fever
- Muscle ache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
Meningitis:
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Confusion
Prevention
Viruses spread in different ways, depending on the virus. Hepatitis C, a liver disease, spreads through body fluid. On the other hand, influenza spreads by contact with virus left behind on an object, like a phone, or through droplets in the air, if someone with the flu sneezes or coughs in front of you. Not all viral infections can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of contracting a virus in a few ways:
- Stay up-to-date with all recommended vaccines, even adults (To learn more about vaccines, visitSepsis Prevention: Vaccinations)
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid contact with people who are ill
- Don’t share personal items.
- Eat a healthy diet. Malnutrition, not consuming enough nutrients for your needs, can lower your body’s ability to fight infection.
Treatment
Viral infections are usually treated by managing the symptoms. This often means using over-the-counter pain relievers to ease pain and reduce fever, rest for fatigue, etc., until the virus is gone. The viruses themselves are not easy to treat. For example, hepatitis C, treatment involves a strict medication regimen for several weeks up to a few months before the virus is cleared from your body. Other viruses don’t have a cure, but medications may speed healing if they are taken early enough after your exposure to the virus. These include medications for influenza and shingles (herpes zoster). Medications for other viruses, such as HIV, keep the virus in check, but aren’t a cure. They can prevent the virus from replicating and causing more damage.
Complications
Sometimes, people who have viral infections, such as influenza, can develop severe bacterial infections, in addition to the viral infection. For example, influenza and other respiratory viral illnesses, could lead to pneumonia. These are called secondary infections.
Related Resources
Sepsis and HIV/AIDS
Information Guide
Viral Infections
Information Guide
Meningitis
Information Guide
Flu
Information Guide
Alexa Spivey
I woke up on November 25, 2023 with a fever of 104° and severe stomach virus symptoms. My family was busy getting ready for my niece’s 1st birthday party, so they weren’t able to give me the full attention I needed. After trying to sleep it off for 4 hours, my symptoms worsened, and I was scared something really bad was going to happen. At this point, my boyfriend stopped helping with the party and drove me to the ER. Once I arrived, they gave me an IV, and ran tons of tests. I originally must’ve had a severe case ... Read Full Story
Ann Hayes
We were at our cabin in the mountains during the summer of 2022. Our day always starts with walking our dogs. On our way back to the cabin my hips started to ache so I walked ahead of my husband to get back. When I got back to the cabin I was shaking uncontrollably because I was suddenly so cold. My husband suggested I take some Tylenol and get in bed. He went into the small town to buy a thermometer and came right back. I had never had Covid so I thought that I was coming down with it, ... Read Full Story
Emma Moss
I felt completely fine in the lead up to my diagnosis. Monday night I woke up with a pain that I can’t fully describe but I knew something was wrong and that I needed to go to the hospital. I got up and got dressed but felt too weak to go so I lay back down. After a while I woke my partner, who then brought me to hospital. Once there I did some blood tests and x-rays which came back clear so I was sent home with a high fever and a viral infection. (Sepsis and Viral Infections) The ... Read Full Story
Emilie O’c
Here is our story about one precious little girl, called Emilie, aged just 10 months old. Our daughter was born on April 6th with a health condition, which never hindered her. We weren’t sure if she would even survive at birth, but she proved everyone wrong and was fantastic, doing everything a normal baby does. We were so happy with our little miracle baby! AT 2 WEEKS OLD At just two weeks old, Emilie developed a Group B Strep urine infection and the doctors looking after her advised us she was starting to go septic, but they had caught it ... Read Full Story
Jesse R.
On the 25th of April 2020 I woke up feeling a bit off. I had felt nauseous and tired the entire day, but decided I could make it to work that evening. I tried the best I could to work through the discomfort. After an hour in I was on my way home. That entire night I got more and more sick, feeling as if I had a severe flu. The next morning I had my roommate take me to the Dallas VA emergency room. I knew that something didn’t feel right. I couldn’t even hold water down. They hooked ... Read Full Story
Other Topics
