Recognizing Sepsis

September is sepsis awareness month. infections that are not treated or treated ineffectively can cause sepsis. Infections are typically bacterial but can also be viral such as COVID or influenza. Sepsis is our body's response to infections. Anytime germs enter a person’s body, they are at risk for sepsis. Those at greater risk are adults aged 65 and older, people with chronic health conditions such as COPD, CHF, and Diabetes; people with weakened immune systems; people who have recently recovered from a serious illness or have been hospitalized; people who have previously had sepsis and children under the age of one year.

People with a known or suspected infection and have two of the following symptoms may be septic– elevated heart rate, confusion, fever, rapid respirations, elevated blood sugar (in the absence of diabetes), and mottled skin. Sepsis of the infection causing sepsis typically starts before a patient goes to the hospital. Sepsis is not contagious but the infection causing the sepsis can be spread to other people. Infections that begin in someone’s lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract most often are the infections that lead to sepsis. 

Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect you or a loved one has an infection that is not improving or is getting worse, seek medical attention. Sepsis can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and even death without timely treatment. With fast recognition and treatment, most people survive with close monitoring and antibiotics, when needed.

There are steps to take to reduce your risk of sepsis. Steps include:

• Preventing infections-get appropriate vaccines, take good care of chronic conditions

• Practice good hygiene-wash your hands, clean cuts, and keep covered until healed

• Know the signs and symptoms of sepsis

Seek medical care immediately if you or a loved one has an infection that is not improving or is getting worse. Ask your provider if your infection could be leading to sepsis.