Inclusion Criteria:  Hospitalization in the Acute Geriatric Unit Presence of at least one National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance risk factor for sepsis (i.e. age ≥75 years, impaired immune function - diabetes mellitus, previous splenectomy, hematologic diseases - long-term corticosteroid therapy, immunosuppressive or antineoplastic drug treatment, surgery or other invasive procedures in the previous 6 weeks, any breach of skin integrity - e.g. pressure ulcers - intravenous drug misuse, indwelling lines or catheters)  Exclusion Criteria:  Refusal to give written informed consent