Would You Recognize Sepsis? Less Than Half of Canadians Understand the Life-Threatening Condition

New national survey reveals major gaps in Canadians' ability to understand and recognize sepsis as survivor Amalie Henze launches a new guide to help Canadians know the signs and advocate for care

TORONTO, Sept. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Today, Neinstein LLP, Toronto's leading civil litigation boutique, in partnership with Sepsis Canada, the Canadian Sepsis Foundation, and sepsis survivor Amalie Henze launched Amalie's Guide to Sepsis, a new national resource designed to help Canadians better understand sepsis, recognize its warning signs and advocate for themselves or their loved ones.

Sepsis affects an estimated 18 million people globally each year and is the #1 preventable cause of death in Canada. Yet despite its severity, recent survey findings in partnership with Leger reveal significant gaps in Canadians' understanding of the medical emergency:

• 51% don't understand what sepsis is
• 54% aren't confident they could recognize the signs of sepsis
• 56% don't feel they know enough about sepsis to confidently discuss it with a healthcare professional

Released to mark the beginning of Sepsis Awareness Month, Amalie's Guide to Sepsis is developed in partnership with Amalie Henze, who was diagnosed with sepsis in October 2023 at the age of 18 following a suspected bowel obstruction. Before her experience with sepsis, she had never heard of it and didn't know the warning signs. She survived, but her experience resulted in life-changing amputations, and she has since dedicated herself to raising awareness, advocating for better understanding of sepsis and supporting others impacted by the condition.

"Sepsis changed my life," said Amalie Henze. "My hope in developing this guide is to help raise awareness of the dangers of sepsis and give people the tools they need to understand the risks, recognize the symptoms and know when to seek medical help. Because when it comes to sepsis, acting quickly can make all the difference."

The Need for Greater Sepsis Awareness
Sepsis is the body's extreme, life-threatening response to an infection. When people think about sepsis, they often imagine it as a rare condition that happens without warning. The reality is that it almost always starts with an infection, and knowing what to look for is key. 

"Too many Canadians still don't understand sepsis until they or someone they love is facing it," said Christine Caron, Director, Canadian Sepsis Foundation. "By improving awareness and making reliable information easier to access, we can help Canadians recognize the signs sooner, ask the right questions, and feel more prepared to advocate for themselves or someone they care about."

Six Warning Signs Canadians Should Know
While sepsis can look different from person to person, it's important to know the common warning signs and act fast. If you or someone you know has signs of an infection and is becoming rapidly more unwell, don't assume it's "just the flu" or that it will pass. Early recognition and quick treatment can mean the difference between life or death. Symptoms include:

• S - Slurred speech or confusion
• E - Extreme shivering or muscle pain/fever
• P - Passing little or no urine all day
• S - Severe breathlessness
• I - It feels like you're going to die
• S - Skin is mottled or discolored

From Surviving Sepsis to Helping Others Recognize It
Amalie's Guide to Sepsis covers the sepsis journey, from understanding the condition and recognizing potential warning signs to advocacy, navigating recovery and living with the lasting physical and emotional impacts of sepsis. The guide also includes resources for  patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Neinstein's involvement in the initiative builds on the firm's experience supporting patients and families impacted by medical negligence and the lasting consequences of serious medical conditions, including sepsis.

"Greater awareness of sepsis is about more than just recognizing the signs. It's about giving patients, families, and healthcare providers the information they need to understand the condition, advocate for better care, and support those impacted by sepsis," said Kristina Maitland, Associate, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer at Neinstein LLP. "Amalie's Guide to Sepsis brings these perspectives together in one accessible resource, so Canadians have access to information and support at every stage of the sepsis journey."

To learn more and access Amalie's Guide to Sepsis, visit neinsteinlaw.com/sepsis-guide/

About Neinstein
Neinstein is a results-driven boutique law firm in Toronto, specializing in mass tort, medical malpractice and personal injury law. We are expert litigators with significant trial and appellate advocacy experience. For over 50 years, our team has dealt with complex civil litigation, delivering impactful outcomes and widespread social change. We can be reached by phone at 416-920-4242, by email at [email protected], or through our website at www.neinstein.com.

About Sepsis Canada
In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) resolution identified sepsis as a global health priority, urging "member states and the WHO director-general to take specific actions to reduce the burden of sepsis through improved prevention, diagnosis and management." In response to this resolution, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded Sepsis Canada – a single nationally coordinated research network to further understand the causes of sepsis, improve the prevention, detection, and management of sepsis, and support recovery and rehabilitation.

About Canadian Sepsis Foundation
Founded in 2017, the Canadian Sepsis Foundation is a registered Canadian charity of volunteers, critical care specialists, researchers, and patient partners. Its mission is to raise awareness of the severity and prevention of sepsis in Canada through public education, advocacy, support for survivors and their families, and support for sepsis research.

Methodology
This survey, conducted in partnership with Leger, surveyed 1,532 Canadians aged 18 and over through Leger's LEO online panel from July 17-19, 2026. Results were weighed according to age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and presence of children in the household to ensure a representative sample of the Canadian population. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,532 respondents would yield a margin of error no greater than ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

SOURCE Neinstein LLP

For media inquiries: Sadie Boyes, [email protected], 613-296-1813