Blood Infection from Infusion, Injection, or Transfusion

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KEY POINTS

• Sepsis is the medical term for an infection of the blood. Your blood can get infected when germs such as bacteria, or sometimes viruses or fungus, get into the bloodstream.
• A blood infection is treated with IV medicine that will kill the germ causing the infection. You will usually need to be admitted to the hospital to make sure that you are getting better with treatment.
• Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you are taking an antibiotic, take the medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, you may not kill all of the bacteria and you may get sick again. Wash your hands well with soap and water after caring for any wounds, even when you have used gloves.

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What is a blood infection from infusion, injection, or transfusion?

Your blood can get infected when germs such as bacteria, or sometimes viruses or fungus, get into the bloodstream. This can happen when you have an IV catheter in place, or you get a shot into a blood vessel, or a blood transfusion. Sepsis is the medical term for an infection of the blood.

What is the cause?

Usually the infection is caused by bacteria. The blood may get infected when an IV line or shot is given through an infected area of skin or if an IV catheter (tube) is left in too long. There are always bacteria on the skin and on the surfaces of most objects. This is why healthcare providers clean the skin to kill bacteria before they give a shot or IV. They also use gloves and sterilized instruments and equipment to prevent spread of bacteria and viruses.

You have a higher risk of getting a blood infection if you have:

• Cancer
• AIDS/HIV
• Long-term illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems
• An open wound (from injury, surgery, or a severe burn)

You are also at higher risk if you are taking medicines such as steroids or anticancer drugs. These medicines can make it harder for your body to fight infection. You may get a blood infection if an infection from another part of your body spreads to the injection site.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Fever and chills
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fast heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting when you stand up
• Confusion, especially in older adults
• Redness, swelling, or drainage of pus from any wounds, including where an IV goes into your skin
• Increased pain at the site of infection or surgery

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have a blood test to look for signs of infection. Samples of fluid from the IV site may be sent to the lab and tested. If you have a bacterial infection, it may take 2 to 3 days to find out what kind of germ is causing it. Knowing what germ is causing the infection and which medicines work best to treat it helps your provider choose the right medicine. You may also have a urine test and a chest X-ray to check for signs of infection.

How is it treated?

A blood infection is treated with IV medicine that will kill the germ causing the infection.

When you are first diagnosed, you will receive the antibiotic medicine most likely to treat your infection. Once your blood tests identify which bacteria are causing the problem and which antibiotics are best for that bacteria, your healthcare provider may need to change antibiotic medicines.

You will usually need to be admitted to the hospital to make sure that you are getting better with treatment.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:

• If you are taking an antibiotic, take the medicine for as long as your healthcare provider prescribes, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the medicine too soon, you may not kill all of the bacteria and you may get sick again.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after caring for any wounds, even when you have used gloves.
• Ask your provider:
  • How and when you will get your test results
  • How long it will take to recover
  • If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
  • How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent a blood infection?

To reduce your risk of getting a blood infection:

• Keep skin scrapes, wounds, and IV sites clean. Watch for possible signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, drainage, or pain. See your healthcare provider right away if a wound looks like it is infected.
• Take care of your health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet and try to keep a healthy weight. If you smoke, try to quit. If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink. Learn ways to manage stress. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.