Educating the community on dangers of Sepsis

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sepsis is a medical emergency that kills nearly 270,000 Americans yearly.

However, unlike other diseases the community is aware of, only 55% of Americans have heard of sepsis.

What Is Sepsis?

As per the CDC, Sepsis, or blood poisoning, is caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that if untreated, can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

It can be caused by any kind of infection, including bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, and even injuries as simple as bug bites, cuts, and grazes in vulnerable individuals. Most cases are caused by bacterial infections, but it can be a complication stemming from other health issues, such as viral infections such as COVID-19 or influenza.

“This is such an important issue for our community to be aware of,” said Dr. Christopher Romero, Internal Medicine Specialist for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen. “Understanding the warning signs and symptoms of sepsis is critically important to preventing organ and tissue damage. The signs of symptoms of sepsis can also be the signs of a severe COVID-19 or flu infection, so now more than ever it’s important to be aware and take them seriously.”

Two of the highest population categories that run the risk of developing sepsis include the very young and very old, as well as people with chronic or serious illnesses.

“Sepsis can be caused by any form of an infection anywhere in the body,” Romero said. “The best way to prevent infections is through the use of good hygiene, ensuring vaccinations to prevent illnesses, as well as properly caring for open wounds.”

Romero also said that diabetes can play a main factor in a person developing sepsis.

Sepsis is a difficult medical complication to diagnose because it can rapidly develop into a medical emergency and can be confused with other medical conditions, says the CDC.

Romero added that Valley Baptist Health System has taken special steps to ensure that suspected sepsis cases receive appropriate attention.

“All Valley Baptist nurses receive sepsis education, and we have instituted a sepsis protocol that can expedite the care sepsis patients receive,” he said. “Nurses can initialize treatment more rapidly, which can lead to better outcomes for the patient.”