Get Ahead of Sepsis – Know the Risks. Spot the Signs. Act Fast

"Infections can put you and your family at risk for a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

What’s The Problem?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It’s what happens when an infection you already have – in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else – triggers a chain reaction through your body. It’s life-threatening and without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

At least 1.7 million people get sepsis each year in the United States and nearly 270,000 Americans die from sepsis each year.

The Get Ahead of Sepsis Educational Effort

It’s important that patients, their families and caregivers, and healthcare professionals think about sepsis as a possibility. Get Ahead of Sepsis reminds us all of the importance of early recognition, timely treatment, and preventing infections.

• Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters. If you or your loved one suspects sepsis or has an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse, ask your doctor or nurse, “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?”
• Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Sepsis more commonly occurs in adults 65 or older, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease, and children younger than one.
• A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Shortness of breath
  • High heart rate
  • Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Clammy or sweaty skin.."
    Sepsis