Former President Bill Clinton revealed he was hospitalized for sepsis after a urological infection spread into his bloodstream, using his recovery to urge Americans to recognize early health warning signs.

Clinton was admitted to UC Irvine Medical Center in Southern California after experiencing a sudden health decline. Doctors determined that a urological infection had entered his bloodstream, triggering sepsis, though the condition did not progress to septic shock.

The medical team stabilized his condition, normalized his white blood cell counts, and discharged him after several days to continue oral antibiotics at home in New York.

Clinton’s Message From Recovery

In a recovery video, Clinton appeared visibly thinner and frailer than usual but spoke with deliberate focus. “I intend to stick around and do the most good I can,” he said, thanking doctors and nurses at the hospital for their care.

Clinton’s central message extended beyond his own experience. He urged Americans to “listen to your bodies” and not dismiss subtle symptoms that could escalate into medical emergencies.

His tone remained grateful rather than political throughout the message, offering a rare public glimpse into vulnerability from the former president.

What Sepsis Means

Sepsis occurs when a bloodstream infection triggers a cascade of dangerous physiological responses throughout the body. The condition remains a serious medical threat, particularly when common infections go untreated.

Clinton’s willingness to share his health crisis publicly may encourage others to seek prompt medical attention and take early symptoms seriously.

This story has been updated. CNN’s Health Team contributed to this report.