World Sepsis Day is held on September 13th every year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis.
Sepsis accounts for at least 11 million deaths worldwide annually. Yet, depending on country and education, sepsis is known only to 7 – 50 % of the people. Sepsis can be prevented by vaccination, clean care and early recognition and treatment, which can reduce deaths by 50%.
This lack of knowledge makes sepsis the number one preventable cause of death worldwide.
Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide.
Watch the video below to learn more about Sepsis
Those most at risk
- People with chronic diseases of the heart, liver & lungs
- People with weakened immune system e.g AIDS and Diabetes
- Children under the age of 1
- People over the age of 60
- People without a spleen
Symptoms
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain & fever
Passing no urine all day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
Common sources of Sepsis
- Meningitis
- Skin or soft tissue infection
- Catheter infection
- Pneumonia
- Bloodstream infection
- Appendicitis & Gallbladder infections
- Viruses such as SARS
- UTIs
Prevention saves lives
Simple steps to prevent infection and prevent sepsis saves lives.
- Vaccination
- Clean water
- Hand hygiene
- Prevent hospital acquired infections
- Safe childbirth
- Awareness