According to the Cleveland Clinic, sepsis is a medical emergency caused by the body’s response to an infection and can be life-threatening. Sepsis is the consequence of widespread inflammation (swelling) in the body. Inflammation and blood clotting during sepsis causes reduced blood flow to limbs and vital organs and can lead to organ failure and even death.
The people most at risk for sepsis are those who are older than 65, children, and pregnant women. People with a weakened immune system and those in the hospital are susceptible as well. Infections can put you at risk for sepsis. When germs get into a person’s body, they can cause an infection. If you don’t stop that infection, it can cause sepsis. Bacterial infections cause most cases of sepsis. Sepsis can also be a result of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza.
Here are some startling statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In a typical year:
- At least 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis.
- Nearly 270,000 Americans die as a result of sepsis.
- 1 in 3 patients who dies in a hospital has sepsis.
- Sepsis, or the infection causing sepsis, starts outside of the hospital in nearly 87% of cases.
Many people are not aware of what sepsis is. It’s serious. According to sepsis.org:
Sepsis kills more children than cancer and more adults than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and opioid overdoses, combined. It is the #1 cost for acute and skilled nursing care at $62 billion per year. Sepsis is the most severe complication of COVID-19 that is responsible for most deaths from this infection.
Read about people who have gotten sepsis at sepsis.org. Their stories will help you understand the symptoms and care for sepsis. Not everyone survives. Get medical care immediately if you have symptoms.
To avoid sepsis, wash your hands often, stay up to date on vaccines, go to the doctor immediately if you suspect an infection. Get medical care for chronic conditions.