Have you ever heard of "sepsis"? Sepsis (sometimes referred to as Septicemia) is caused by the body's overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection and requires rapid medical attention and intervention. If not treated promptly, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is difficult to diagnose because it happens quickly and can be confused with other conditions. Sepsis begins outside of the hospital for nearly 80% of patients that are diagnosed.
Certain people with an infection are more likely to get sepsis, including people age 65 years or older, infants less than 1 year old, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who have chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes). While much less common, even healthy children and adults can develop sepsis from an infection, especially when not recognized early. Some common infections that lead to sepsis are lung, urinary tract, skin, and gut infections.
Important signs & symptoms to look for include: shivering, fever, or feeling very cold; extreme pain or discomfort; clammy or sweaty skin; confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath and a high heart rate.
Prevention includes: getting regular, recommended vaccinations; preventing infections by practicing good hygiene; cleaning scrapes and wounds quickly.
Not every infection can lead to this life-threating condition but if you suspect someone has sepsis, know that time matters and you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Stay Healthy & Wash Your Hands!
Renee McNees, RN
Parish Nurse
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2
Certain people with an infection are more likely to get sepsis, including people age 65 years or older, infants less than 1 year old, people who have weakened immune systems, and people who have chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes). While much less common, even healthy children and adults can develop sepsis from an infection, especially when not recognized early. Some common infections that lead to sepsis are lung, urinary tract, skin, and gut infections.
Important signs & symptoms to look for include: shivering, fever, or feeling very cold; extreme pain or discomfort; clammy or sweaty skin; confusion or disorientation; shortness of breath and a high heart rate.
Prevention includes: getting regular, recommended vaccinations; preventing infections by practicing good hygiene; cleaning scrapes and wounds quickly.
Not every infection can lead to this life-threating condition but if you suspect someone has sepsis, know that time matters and you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Stay Healthy & Wash Your Hands!
Renee McNees, RN
Parish Nurse
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2
