Are there different types of blood poisoning?

Hi Michael,

Thanks for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community! Even though it may sound like it from the name, blood poisoning doesn't have to do with poison in the blood stream. Blood poisoning occurs when bacteria enters the blood stream. This can happen when bacteria from an infection such as a cut, wound, burn, or incision from surgery escapes and enters the blood stream. Usually elderly people, people with an illness and children have the highest risk for blood poisoning. Another word for blood poisoning is sepsis.

Some common symptoms of blood poisoning include chills, rapid heartbeat, fever, paleness, cold skin, vomiting and diarrhea. When you have a cut or wound, treat and clean it right away to help reduce the risk of blood poisoning. 

The main differences in blood poisonings depends on the type of bacteria that infects the blood stream. Some bacteria are more infectious and can cause greater harm to the body. For example, septic shock is an extreme type of blood poisoning. According to nursingtimes.net, septic shock causes a high drop in blood pressure, resulting in body shock, increased heart beat and cold skin. Be sure to go to the doctor immediately if you experience blood poisoning symptoms.

Hope this helped provide some more details about blood poisoning. For more information, read this EmpowHER article about blood poisoning: https://www.empowher.com/heart-amp-blood/content/blood-poisoning-causes-and-symptoms.

Have you experienced blood poisoning before, Michael?