Sepsis Awareness Month

September is Sepsis Awareness Month and many people are unaware of the dangers this complication can pose.

What is Sepsis?

Can I catch sepsis?

Sepsis is your body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Sepsis is not anything that you can catch. It is how your body goes into overdrive to try to get rid of the infection. When your body reacts this way, it can cause organ failure and death.

SEPSIS is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY! The faster a person is treated, the better the odds are to prevent life changing results.

What Can you do to Prevent Sepsis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the following actions are recommended to reduce your risk of the development of sepsis after you have contracted a virus, fungus, bacteria, or any other infection within your body:

1. Get vaccinated!
   • Make sure you are up-to-date with your vaccinations. Talk to your doctor for more information.
2. Prevent infections!
   • Clean scrapes and wounds. Practice good hygiene. Remember hand hygiene!
3. Time matters!
   • If you have a severe infection, look for signs that could indicate sepsis including:
   • Shivering, fever or very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin, confusion, short of breath, rapid breathing and high heart rate.
4. Seek medical attention!

Remember to take your antibiotics as prescribed by your physician. Notify your physician if you develop any further signs that could indicate sepsis.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information that may help you save a life!

Source: www.cdc.gov/sepsis