Have you heard of sepsis?
Sepsis is a medical emergency and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death when untreated. More than 1.6 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis each year—and 258,000 people die from it, reports Sepsis.org. In Pennsylvania, in 2014, hospitals treated nearly 55,000 individuals with sepsis.
When you have an infection, you have an increased risk of developing sepsis. An infection can occur in anyone, at any time, from any type of infection, and can affect any part of the body. However, sepsis occurs most often in people aged 65 years or older or less than 1 year, and people who have weakened immune systems, or have chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?
- Shivering, fever, or extreme cold
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Confusion or disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- High heart rate
Because symptoms like a fever or difficulty breathing are similar to other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose sepsis during its early stages.
How to prevent a sepsis infection
Is there an easy way to prevent deadly infection? Vaccinations. The CDC recommends immunization against infections that can lead to sepsis, such as the flu and pneumonia, or other conditions that affect the urinary tract, skin, and gut.
Other prevention methods include thoroughly cleaning scrapes and wounds and practicing good hygiene habits like washing hands before touching open or healing wounds.
Last but not least—it’s important to remember that time matters. When battling a severe infection, be sure to monitor yourself for any signs of sepsis. And don’t be afraid to tell your doctor you suspect an infection, even if you’re uncertain.
Seek medical attention immediately if you or a loved believe you are experiencing a sepsis infection.