Recently, CDC’s Vital Signs publication highlighted sepsis, a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and is deadly when it’s not quickly recognized and treated . Patients who develop sepsis have an increased risk of complications and death and face higher healthcare costs and longer treatment.
To prevent sepsis:
- Get vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia and other infections that could lead to sepsis;
- Prevent infections that can lead to sepsis by cleaning scrapes and wounds; and
- If you have severe infection, look for signs like shivering, fever, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin, confusion or disorientation, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and high heart rate and seek medical treatment immediately!
Our Healthcare-Associated Infections Program is working closely with federal and local health partners to increase awareness of sepsis. This includes communication and education concerning the need to prevent and urgently treat sepsis among the public and healthcare providers throughout Arizona. For more information about sepsis, visit the CDC website.
