September is Sepsis Awareness Month, but what is sepsis? Simply put, sepsis is your body’s most extreme response to an infection. It’s also sometimes called septicemia, which is the medical term for blood poisoning by germs like bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sepsis can cause shock (called septic shock) and organ failure, which can be fatal in up to half of cases. This depends on the type of germ involved. Sepsis is a medical emergency. You need medical care right away. If not treated, sepsis can quickly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death.

What causes sepsis?

These infections are most often linked to sepsis:

• Lung infections (pneumonia).
• Urinary tract infections.
• Skin infections.
• Infections in the intestines or gut.

The three germs that most often develop into sepsis are staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and some types of streptococcus.

Who is at risk for sepsis?

An infection can happen to anyone, but certain things can make it more likely for you to get sepsis. These include:

• Having a chronic health condition such as diabetes, cancer, lung disease, weakened immune system or kidney disease.
• Being age 65 or older.
• Being younger than 1 year old.
• Having community-acquired pneumonia.
• Having been in the hospital in the past. This is especially true if you were in the hospital for an infection.

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis develops very quickly, and you quickly get very ill. You may lose interest in food and surroundings, become feverish, very cold or have the chills, have problems breathing or have a high heart rate or low blood pressure. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, a lot of pain or discomfort or have cool hands and feet. People experiencing sepsis may also become lethargic, anxious, confused or agitated or develop a rash that can look like bruises.

You may also fall into a coma. Sepsis can also be fatal. The symptoms of sepsis may look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is sepsis treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that needs to be treated right away. You will need to be in a hospital, and treatment will start as soon as possible. Treatment includes:

• Antibiotics.
• Managing blood flow to organs.
• Stopping the source of the infection.

Many people need oxygen and IV (intravenous) fluids to help get blood flow and oxygen to the organs. You may need to use a breathing machine (ventilator) or go on kidney dialysis. Sometimes you may need surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection.

How can I prevent sepsis?

Preventing infection is the way to prevent sepsis. If you’re already hurt, get medical care when the injured or infected area is not getting better or is getting worse. One of the best ways to prevent infection is to wash your hands often. Wash your hands with clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands:

• Before eating.
• After using the toilet.
• Before and after caring for a sick person.
• Before, during and after preparing food.
• Before and after cleaning a wound or cut.
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• After touching an animal or handling pet food or pet treats.
• After changing diapers or cleaning up after a child who has used the toilet.
• After touching garbage.