Sepsis Awareness

10 February 2025

Posted in

General Health

Sepsis can be a silent killer, claiming lives worldwide. At its core, sepsis is a severe response to infection that can lead to widespread damage, including death.

Despite its impact, many remain unaware of the signs and symptoms, which can delay treatment. Raising awareness about sepsis is important in reducing its prevalence and the impact it can have. By educating the public on early detection and the necessity of medical intervention, we can save lives and prevent the long-term complications associated with this condition.

Sepsis basics

What to know: Sepsis can be a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes extensive inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure and, in severe cases, death.

The immune system is the body's defense mechanism against infections, designed to identify and eliminate pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Typically, immune cells recognize foreign invaders and locally activate cells that help attack and destroy the pathogens.
However, when sepsis occurs, that response becomes dysregulated and initiates an inflammatory response that spreads throughout the body affecting many organs in a number of different ways.

Sepsis can develop after many different types of infection.

Common causes can include lung infections (pneumonia), urinary tract infections, abdominal infections (appendicitis or peritonitis) or skin infections (cellulitis).

The symptoms of sepsis are characterized by a range of symptoms that can escalate quickly.

Common signs include a high or low body temperature (fever or hypothermia), rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and quick, shallow breathing (tachypnea).
People can also experience chills, shivering and extreme pain or discomfort.
Mental confusion or disorientation can be another symptom.
Additionally, clammy or sweaty skin can occur due to poor circulation and the body's intense response to infection.

The facts

At a glance: Sepsis affects millions of people each year. It is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.

In the U.S., sepsis is a leading cause of hospital admissions, with over 1.7 million cases annually.

Sepsis has a high mortality rate, accounting for an estimated one in three hospital deaths, according to the Sepsis Alliance.
About 350,000 people die in the U.S. each year from sepsis, or about one death every 90 seconds.

People with weakened immune systems, especially neonates and older adults, are most at risk of developing sepsis.

Additionally, those with chronic illnesses and individuals with weakened immune systems due to many different conditions are more susceptible.

Why time is of the essence

Why it matters: Diagnosing and treating sepsis in a timely manner is important because it can rapidly progress to severe sepsis or septic shock, significantly increasing the risk of long-term complications.

Rapid progression is a hallmark sign of sepsis, as it can escalate quickly and cause organ dysfunction and failure quickly.

Administering antibiotics, fluids and other treatments early can limit the infection's spread and mitigate damage.
This not only improves survival rates but also reduces the risk of long-term organ damage.

Sepsis prevention

The bottom line: Sepsis is a medical emergency. Early recognition and treatment can help improve outcomes and reduce the risk of severe complications.

Sepsis can be characterized by a combination of symptoms that vary based on the source of the infection.

Abnormal vital signs can be an indicator of sepsis.

Take note of any abrupt changes such as fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate or a high respiratory rate.

Be aware of risk factors and know certain groups are at a higher risk of developing sepsis.

These groups include the elderly, infants, people with weakened immune systems and those with chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Seek medical attention and don’t delay care.

If sepsis is suspected, seek medical attention immediately as early intervention is key to preventing severe complications.

Preventive measures, including vaccinations and good hygiene practices, can reduce the risk of infections that lead to sepsis.

Staying up-to-date with vaccines can prevent infections such as pneumonia or meningitis.

Next steps: If you or a loved one have a suspicion of sepsis, head to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately for an evaluation. Sepsis is a medical emergency that can escalate quickly.