-Beater Ri@catt& Tips To Help You Get AheadOfSepsis (NAPSA)—Eachyear, more than 1.5 million Americans develop life-threatening condition called sepsis andatleast 250,000 die as a result. That's why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging everyone to Get Aheadof Sepsis: know therisks, spot the signs and actfast. WhatIs Sepsis? Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have—in your skin,lungs, urinary tract or somewhere else—trig- gers a chain reaction throughout your body. Who’s At Risk? Anyone can get an infection, and almost any infection can lead to sepsis. Somepeople are at higherrisk: Pay attention to infections. If an infection dsn’t get better, seek medical care immediately. how to prevent infections. Some things they might suggest are to take good care of chronic conditions and to get recommended vaccines. Also, remem- ber to practice good hygiene, such as handwashing and keeping cuts clean and covered until healed. If you or your loved one has an infection that isn’t getting better oris getting worse, ask your doctor or nurse “Could this infection be leading to sepsis?” WhatIs CDC Doing? CDC will continue to study the risk factors for sepsis; help healthcare professionals, patients and their families rec- ognize the symptomsofsepsis; develop morereliable ways to measuretheeffects of successfulinterventions; and encourage Adults 65 or older People with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease People with weakened immunesystems Children younger than one. ‘The mostfrequently identified germs that cause infections that can develop into sepsis include Staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and sometypesof Streptococcus. WhatAre The Symptoms? Symptomsof sepsis can include any one or a combination of the following: Confusion or disorientation Shortness ofbreath High heartrate Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold Extreme pain or discomfort Clammy, sweaty skin. How CanI Get AheadofSepsis? Talk to your doctor or nurse about infection prevention through vaccination programs, chronic disease management, as well as antibiotic use programs. Antibiotics are critical tools to fight infections and sepsis. Healthcare professionals should ensure patients receive the right drugat the right dose and time. It is also importantfor healthcare professionals to reassess the need for antibiotics and be sure the medicine given is the safest and mosteffective for the patient. What Can You Do? Act fast: Get medical care immediately if you suspect sepsis or have an infection that’s not getting better or is getting worse. How Can You Learn More? For more facts about how to Get Ahead of Sepsis and to access materials, visit www.cdc.gov/sepsis. To learn more about Be Antibiotics Aware resources and antibiotic prescribing and use, visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.
