September is Sepsis Awareness month

Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not promptly treated. Your immune system usually works to fight germs and prevent infection. However, for reasons that are not understood, sometimes the immune system stops fighting and begins to turn on itself. Some people are at higher risk of developing sepsis because they are at higher risk of infection. These include the very young, the very old, those with chronic illnesses, and those with a weakened or impaired immune system. 

Common symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and confusion. Children developing sepsis may exhibit different symptoms. These include feeling abnormally cold to the touch, pale or bluish color, a rash that doesn’t fade when you press it, breathing fast, convulsion, very lethargic or difficult to wake up, a child under 5 years of age who is not eating, vomiting repeatedly, has not urinated in 12 hours.  Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and treatment are vital!

Infection prevention is sepsis prevention!

Be sure vaccines are up to date.
Always wash your hands thoroughly and keep them clean.
Clean all wounds as quickly as possible, keep them clean, and watch for signs of an infection.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take as directed and finish the medicine.

It’s important to know the warning signs of sepsis so that quick action can be taken. It’s about TIME when it comes to sepsis!