WHAT EXACTLY IS SEPSIS?

World Sepsis Day - 13<sup>th</sup> September sepsis sepsis
Dr. Mustapha rashid
Specialist Family Medicine Clinic Dubai

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung,
urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Is sepsis contagious?

You cannot spread sepsis to other people. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people.

What causes sepsis?

Infections can put you or your loved one at risk for sepsis. When germs get into a person’s body, they can cause an infection. If you do not 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.

Who is at risk?

  • Adults 65 or older
  • People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Sepsis survivors
  • Children younger than one
  • People with recent severe illness or hospitalization

 

What are the signs & symptoms?

  • High heart rate or low blood pressure
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Shortness of breath
  • Clammy or sweaty skin

A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.
What should I do if I suspect sepsis?
Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you or your loved one has an infection that is not getting better or is getting worse, ACT FAST.
Get medical care IMMEDIATELY either by going to the nearest emergency department or calling an ambulance.
Fast recognition and treatment can increase your chances of survival.

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