World Sepsis Day

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 each year, and in the UK 245,000 people are affected but sepsis annually.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognised early and treated promptly.

Symptoms that might indicate sepsis include:

• Slurred speech or confusion

• Fast heart rate with low blood pressure

• Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever

• Passing no urine all day

• Severe breathlessness

• It feels like you’re going to die

• Skin rash

There are a number of groups that are at higher risk of sepsis - Adults over 60 years of age, Children under 1 years, People with weakened immune systems, People with chronic diseases and People with no spleen.

The main way to save lives is to prevent the infection. This can be done through:

• Keeping up to date on vaccinations

• Practicing good hand hygiene

• Keeping wounds and cuts clean

• Creating awareness of symptoms

• Avoiding unclean water or unsanitary toilets

Treatment for sepsis is most effective when started early. Once in a hospital, a trained physician will usually take the following steps, known as the Sepsis Six.

1. Give oxygen to keep your blood oxygen levels normal

2. Take blood cultures

3. Give IV antibiotics

4. Start IV fluid resuscitation

5. Check lactate

6. Monitor hourly urine output accurately