Those most at risk of developing Sepsis include:

  • newborns and pregnant women
  • elderly adults
  • people with weakened immune systems; e.g. for example, those with HIV or rheumatic diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

Other factors that can leave people at risk of developing septic shock include:

  • having a major operation
  • a lengthy stay in hospital
  • diabetes
  • poverty or poor nutrition
  • exposure to devices like intravenous catheters, urinary catheters, or breathing tubes, which can introduce bacteria into the body