So what is Sepsis?
Sepsis can be a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts and attacks the body’s organs and tissues.
This life-threatening condition affects approximately 250,000 people annually in the UK, resulting in approximately 46,000 deaths per day, or 5 per hour, which is a staggering statistic.
Sepsis occurs when the immune system releases chemicals into the blood to fight infection, causing inflammation to spread throughout the body. If the sepsis is severe, it can trigger septic shock.
The body’s immune system builds resistance and protects you from lots of illnesses and infections throughout your life.
Who can get it sepsis?
Anyone can get Sepsis. It does not discriminate based on age or gender, but some people are more vulnerable than others.
People who are undergoing medical treatment, have a serious illness, or have recently undergone surgery fall into this category.
They may have had an accident that resulted in wounds or injuries.
How can you spot sepsis?
Sepsis is very difficult to spot, and people with this condition can have similar symptoms to the flu, a chest infection, or a stomach bug.
There are no particular signs.
The similarities between these symptoms and meningitis can sometimes lead to confusion and a delayed diagnosis by a medical professional.
Sepsis can be especially hard to spot in:
- Babies and young children.
- People who have dementia.
- People with learning difficulties.
- People who have difficulty communicating.
What symptoms should you be looking for?
Symptoms can include;
- A fever-type temperature or feeling cold symptoms similar to the flu
- Raised heart rate.
- Discolouration skin patches.
- Breathing difficult.
- Unconsciousness.
- Not passing water.
- Feeling very weak, similar to having very bad flu.
- Rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it, the same as meningitis.
Who is more likely to get sepsis?
Anyone with an infection can get sepsis.
Some people, including babies under one, are more susceptible to infections that could lead to sepsis, particularly if they are born early or prematurely or if their mother has been infected while pregnant.
- People over 75 years of age
- People with diabetes.
- People with a weakened immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or those who have recently undergone an organ transplant, are also at risk.
- People with genetic disorders that affect their immune system, such as those with Down’s syndrome or sickle cell disease, are also at risk.
- People who have recently undergone surgery or suffered a serious illness are also at risk.
- Women who have recently given birth, experienced a miscarriage, or undergone an abortion are also at risk.
Get immediate medical attention if you’re at risk for sepsis and become ill.
If you have any conditions or risk factors, tell the doctors.
You cannot catch sepsis from another person.
It happens when your body overreacts to an infection.
What can cause Sepsis?
Any infection can trigger Sepsis but the most common triggers are a blood infection, kidney infection, abdominal infection, or pneumonia.
Is sepsis contagious?
Although sepsis is not contagious, the infection that caused it could very well be.
How is it diagnosed?
The doctor draws blood and sends it to the pathology lab so that tests can be done to see if the person has Sepsis or something else with very similar symptoms.
Can it be treated
Sepsis requires immediate hospitalisation since it can progress rapidly.
You should receive antibiotics within one hour of arriving at the hospital.
If not treated promptly, sepsis can progress to septic shock, causing organ failure. This is life-threatening.
Depending on your symptoms, you may require additional tests or treatments, such as:
Treatment options include a stay in an intensive care unit or connected to a ventilator, as well as surgery to remove infections.
You may need to stay in the hospital for a few weeks.
How can you prevent getting it?
You can take various steps to reduce the likelihood of contracting this life-threatening disease;
- Good personal hygiene
- Keeping up to date with current vaccinations such as flu jabs
- If you have a wound keep it clean and dry and consult a doctor for possible treatment.
What can you do if you suspect you have it?
Go to the A&E dept or call 999/112 and tell them if you have had any recent injuries or infections and they will be able to advise on what to do next.
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