Stopping sepsis in its tracks
Common infections can lead to one of the globe's most insidious killers. Learn how to protect yourself.
- Reviewed by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor

Sometimes the most curious bit of information on someone's death certificate is why they died. For example, when the cause of death listed is an infection — such as pneumonia, COVID, flu, or another type — looks can be deceiving. By the time an infection kills someone, their death may actually be due to a larger, under-recognized phenomenon: sepsis.
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About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch
About the Reviewer

Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor
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