Sepsis Awareness
Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases. Despite being a medical emergency and having significant global significance, Sepsis is still not fully understood or appreciated in terms of the number of people affected. Sepsis affects between 4 However, even the survivors of sepsis can face potentially serious lifelong disability and health implications. If you suspect you may have sepsis, you need to receive treatment as soon as possible to stop progression. Head to the hospital for anti-biotics and other treatments including fluids.
Sepsis could still be considered a bit of a taboo subject. Many deaths from infections, which have been caused by sepsis may not be identified as such. For example, someone might die from sepsis related to a pneumonia infection, but the cause of death will be listed as pneumonia. If someone dies of sepsis after being severely burned, the cause of death is usually recorded as complications due to burns. Because sepsis is seldom listed as the cause of death, many people think it isn’t a problem.
What are the common causes of Sepsis? Sepsis often presents as a deterioration of health which is commonly associated with preventable infections. This is why sepsis is often under-diagnosed at early stages, when it is still potentially reversible. Most types of microorganisms can cause Sepsis, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It may also be caused through infections such as swine influenza and yellow fever viruses.
Some symptoms of Sepsis include slurred speech or confusion, severe breathlessness, extreme shivering or muscle pain and the skin appearing mottled or discoloured. If you have a confirmed or suspected infection or are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your local hospital immediately.
There are particular at-risk groups in the population who should be more aware of the risk from Sepsis. High risk groups include children under 1, or Adults over 60. It also includes people with no spleen, people with weakened immune systems, e.g., people who have Diabetes or AIDS, and people with chronic diseases such as in their lung, liver, or heart.
If you, or somebody you know has suffered and is recovering from Sepsis, there may be side effects, even after the hospital discharge. Sadness, anxiety, muscle pain and weakness, difficulty sleeping, poor memory and concentration and fatigue can be common.
Sepsis is the number one cause of preventable death worldwide. Prevention can be achieved by vaccination, general improved hand hygiene, clean water, safe childbirth and, most importantly, awareness. If you are aware of Sepsis, the harm it can do and the key symptoms to look out for, then you are one step ahead of keeping Sepsis at bay and ensuring you stay healthy and happy.