How long does it take for sepsis to set into your bloodstream?

Question

I am looking for minutes or hours that it would take from onset of symptoms.

Answer 1

Sepsis means that the infection is already in the blood stream before that, it is just an infection. How long it takes an infection to reach sepsis varies due to several critera so there is no way to give a precise time frame. The criteria are:
1. type of bacteria
2. status of person's immune system (the weaker the immunse system, the faster in infection can reach sepsis)
3. the virulence of the bacteria

Sepsis is suspected by symptoms (chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, etc) but diagnosed by a white blood cell count and a blood culture. Treatment needs to be prompt and consists of IVs and broad spectrum antibiotics. Sepsis can become fatal if not treated quickly.
(I'm an R.N.)