Sepsis
Carla Hay-Perdue, DNP, APRN, FNP, ANP-BC, NC-BC
Community Education Coordinator/ Family Nurse Practitioner at Palo Pinto General Hospital
September 27, 2021
Did you know that 1 in 5 deaths globally is associated with sepsis.
What is Sepsis? Sepsis arises when the body is overwhelmed by and infection. The reaction to the infection injures the tissues and organs. Sepsis may lead to shock, multi-organ failure and death if not recognized early and treated promptly
What are common causes? Most microorganisms can cause sepsis, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. It may also be caused by infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, influenza, and COVID-19.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Slurred speech or confusion.
Extreme shivering or muscle pain.
Passing no urine all day,
Severe breathlessness,
It feels like you’re going to die,
Skin mottled or discolored.
If you have these symptoms please go to your local hospital immediately.
Am I at risk for sepsis? Everyone can get sepsis, no matter how healthy or in good shape they are in. Certain people are at an even higher risk. These include:
Children under 1
Adults over 60
People with no spleen
People with chronic diseases
People with weakened immune systems.
How can I prevent sepsis? The best way is to prevent an infection in the first place. This is done by:
Getting vaccinated against common diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, COVID etc.
Wash your hands.
Drink, and have contact with clean water.
Have safe childbirth
Be aware of sepsis.
When it comes to sepsis, remember IT’S ABOUT TIME!
Temperature, higher or lower than normal
Infection, may have signs and symptoms of an infection
Mental decline, confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse
Extremely ill, severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath