Sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals
During Sepsis Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) warn New Yorkers of all ages about the risks of sepsis, a severe and life-threatening, but often preventable, condition. While anyone can develop sepsis, older adults are among those at highest risk.
During Sepsis Awareness Month, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) warn New Yorkers of all ages about the risks of sepsis, a severe and life-threatening, but often preventable, condition. While anyone can develop sepsis, older adults are among those at highest risk.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme and life-threatening response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. While sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, approximately 90% of cases occur in the community, making early recognition by everyone critical. Approximately 6 percent of hospi talizations are due to sepsis and 35 percent of in-hospital deaths are due to sepsis.
NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “Sepsis can be deadly and does not discriminate by age. It is particularly threatening to older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions, so it’s vital to know the sign and symptoms. Get immediate medical help if you experience fever, extreme pain, high heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion and clammy or sweaty skin.”
New York State Health Com missioner Dr. James McDonald said, “People who are older, very young, pregnant or have under lying medical conditions are at higher risk for developing sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection. As we recognize Sepsis Aware ness Month, I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms associated with sepsis and act fast to seek medical treatment if they suspect this life-threatening condition.”
RISK FACTORS
While anyone can develop sepsis, NYSDOH says those at higher risk include:
Adults 65 years of age or older
Children younger than one year of age.
People with weakened immune systems.
People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, or kidney disease.
People with recent severe ill ness or hospitalization.
People who have had sepsis before.
IDENTIFYING SEPSIS
It is crucial you get medical care right away if you have an infection that is not getting better or is get ting worse. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a person with sepsis might have one or more signs or symptoms:
High heart rate or weak pulse
Confusion or disorientation
Extreme pain or discomfort
Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
Shortness of breath
Clammy or sweaty skin
According to NYSDOH, severe sepsis and septic shock impact approximately 73,000 adults and 600 children in New York each year. Nationally, at least 1.7 million adults will develop sepsis.
Please visit NYSOFA’s website for more data about sepsis and older adults.