Many people think ‘blood poisoning’ involves poison in the bloodstream—but that’s not the case. This condition occurs when bacteria invade the bloodstream, sometimes leading to serious complications like sepsis. The good news? Early diagnosis and prompt treatment make this condition highly manageable. Blood poisoning often starts with common infections, such as a urinary tract infection, an insect bite, or an open wound that spreads through the bloodstream. Knowing the symptoms is the first step toward timely care and recovery.
Chills are a common symptom of blood poisoning, often appearing early as the body responds to the infection. This occurs because the immune system raises your body’s temperature to create a less hospitable environment for bacteria. As a result, you may feel cold and begin shivering, which is your body’s way of generating heat to support the immune response.

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