Blood poisoning: What does it mean?

What does it mean when someone has "blood poisoning"?

- Shirley / Illinois

Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist James Steckelberg, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

"Blood poisoning" is not a medical term. As the term is usually used, it refers to the effects of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) — and not a poisonous substance in the blood. So "blood poisoning" is really a misnomer.

Bacteria may enter the blood through a wound or infection or during a medical or dental procedure or injection. Signs and symptoms of bacteremia may include:

Sudden, high fever
Chills
Rapid heart rate
Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Appearing or feeling seriously ill

A diagnosis of bacteremia is usually confirmed by a blood culture. Bacteremia is a serious illness that requires prompt medical attention. Treatment requires hospitalization and includes intravenous antibiotics. Without prompt treatment, bacteremia can quickly progress to severe sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.