Antibiotics are given through an intravenous or IV as soon as the diagnosis is made. Very sick people may need to be put on an artificial breathing machine, or ventilator . Medications may be needed to keep the blood pressure from getting too low. Surgery may be required in some cases, such as for some infections that started in the gut. All medications may cause side effects.
Antibiotics can cause allergic reactions , stomach upset, and other side effects.
Other effects depend on the medicines used. A ventilator can rarely cause a new infection or lung damage. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and even death. Septic shock may cause death even with the best treatment available. Many cases can be treated, and most people have a full recovery.