Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death.[1] Learn more about the symptoms of sepsis, which kills 350,000 adults each year in the United States.

Anyone can die from sepsis, however younger children, seniors, those with compromised immune systems, minorities, and those with less access to care due to financial hardship are more likely to be affected. If caught early enough, sepsis can be treated but it requires early and urgent attention as well as quick treatment for the greatest chances of survival.

In addition to death, sepsis may cause amputations organ dysfunction, memory loss, anxiety, or depression. The opportunity for a full recovery from sepsis increases the sooner it is found and treated. In fact, up to 80% of people with sepsis can be saved if their condition is quickly diagnosed and treated.

Sepsis Symptoms

Remember the acronym T.I.M.E. to identify the symptoms of sepsis as quickly as possible.

T – Temperature – higher or lower than normal

 

I  – Infection – may have signs or symptoms of infection

 

M – Mental Decline – confused, sleepy, difficult to rouse

 

E – Extremely Ill – severe pain, discomfort, shortness of breath

If you notice these or a mixture of these symptoms, see your medical professional immediately, CALL 911 or go to a hospital with a friend or loved one and say, “I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS”.

 

Sepsis Prevention

You can reduce your risk of contracting sepsis by preventing and/or quickly identifying infections. Practice good hygiene, stay up to date on vaccinations, and seek treatment fast if you think you may have an infection.

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals however most cases originate in the community and not the hospital. Delaying sepsis treatment can increase risks of mortality by 4-9% for every hour treatment is delayed.

Learn more at: https://www.sepsis.org/education/resources/fact-sheets/

 

About the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance

Our mission is to help hospitals, EMS agencies and communities. We have helped them by creating the STEMI System of Care (SOC), Stroke SOC, Cardiac Arrest Collaborative, and most recently, the Sepsis Collaborative, to provide standard care guidelines to reduce mortality, morbidity, and financial strains.

MHCA provides funding for numerous activities to reduce mortality, morbidity, and the financial burden in the State of Mississippi due to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and sepsis.

 

[1] https://www.sepsis.org/education/resources/fact-sheets/, Sepsis Fact Sheet and Sepsis and EMS Fact Sheet. Accessed May 9, 2024.