Sepsis Can Strike Suddenly – Kevin’s Story
12 Feb 2026
In June 2025, Kevin, a 73-year-old man from Hobart, thought he had a pinched nerve in his back. He booked a remedial massage and felt a bit better afterwards. But the next morning, his daughter found him on the floor of his bedroom. He had a high fever, was confused, and couldn’t get back into bed.
Kevin remembers the ambulance arriving and being taken to hospital. After that, things are blurry. He says he wasn’t fully aware of what was happening for about six weeks.
Kevin spent eight weeks at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Doctors found he had a serious blood infection. He needed surgery to remove an abscess near his spinal cord and was given strong antibiotics for a long time.
His illness led to other serious health problems. His kidneys stopped working properly and he needed dialysis while in hospital. He also needed help with his breathing and oxygen levels. He lost strength in his legs and had trouble walking.
A few weeks after going home, Kevin had to return to hospital with another blood infection. This time, it affected his kidney. After more treatment, he continued his recovery.
Many people who survive sepsis face ongoing health issues. Up to half of survivors develop Post-Sepsis Syndrome. This can cause long-term problems such as extreme tiredness, pain, poor sleep, mood changes, and trouble concentrating. Recovery often involves support from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists. Survivors may also have a higher risk of getting infections again.
Nearly six months later, Kevin says he is back to about 85% of his previous health. He is working with a physiotherapist at the Royal Hobart Hospital and now walks with the help of a stick.
He says the care he received was excellent and credits the medical team for helping him recover.
Sepsis Survivor Week runs from 8–14 February 2026. It aims to raise awareness about the lasting effects of sepsis and remind people how quickly it can become life-threatening.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It happens when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Early treatment is critical.
Signs of sepsis can include:
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Fever and chills
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Very low body temperature
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Uncontrollable shaking
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Fast breathing or heart rate
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Confusion or extreme tiredness
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Not passing urine
If you think you or someone else may have sepsis, go to hospital straight away. Ask the question: “Could it be sepsis?”
https://www.health.tas.gov.au/
Source: Tasmanian Department of Health / Australian Sepsis Network
