CDC urges early recognition, prompt treatment of sepsis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today launched Get Ahead of Sepsis, an educational initiative to protect Americans from the devastating effects of sepsis. This initiative emphasizes the importance of early recognition and timely treatment of sepsis, as well as the importance of preventing infections that could lead to sepsis.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Each year in the U.S., more than 1.5 million people develop sepsis, and at least 250,000 Americans die as a result.

Public education is critical to save lives since, for many patients, sepsis develops from an infection that begins outside the hospital.

Get Ahead of Sepsis calls on healthcare professionals to educate patients, prevent infections, suspect and identify sepsis early, and start sepsis treatment fast. In addition, this work urges patients and their families to prevent infections, be alert to the symptoms of sepsis, and seek immediate medical care if sepsis is suspected or for an infection that is not improving or is getting worse.

“Detecting sepsis early and starting immediate treatment is often the difference between life and death. It starts with preventing the infections that lead to sepsis,” said CDC Director Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “We created Get Ahead of Sepsis to give people the resources they need to help stop this medical emergency in its tracks.”

The signs and symptoms of sepsis can include a combination of any of the following:

• confusion or disorientation,
• shortness of breath,
• high heart rate,
• fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold,
• extreme pain or discomfort, and
• clammy or sweaty skin.

“Healthcare professionals, patients, and their family members can work as a team to prevent infections and be alert to the signs of sepsis.” said Lauren Epstein, M.D., medical officer in CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. “Get Ahead of Sepsis encourages healthcare professionals and patients to talk about steps, such as taking good care of chronic conditions, which help prevent infections that could lead to sepsis.  ”

CDC is continuing to:

• study the risk factors for sepsis;
• help healthcare professionals, patients and their families to recognize the signs of sepsis;
• develop more reliable ways to measure the impact of successful interventions; and
• encourage infection prevention through vaccination programs, chronic disease management, and appropriate antibiotic use.

For more information about Get Ahead of Sepsis and to access materials, visit: www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES