Get Ahead of Sepsis. Time Matters.

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Colorful petri dish; sepsis

September is Sepsis Awareness Month

On August 31, the CDC launched Get Ahead of Sepsis, an educational initiative that emphasizes the importance of sepsis early recognition and timely treatment, as well as the importance of preventing infections that could lead to sepsis.

Read the CDC Get Ahead of Sepsis press release.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. Sepsis is life-threatening and without timely treatment can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure and death. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have – in your skin, lungs, urinary tract or elsewhere – triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Time matters.

It is important to know and talk with your patients about the symptoms of sepsis, which can include a combination of any of the following:

Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
High heart rate
Fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin

We need to help educate our patients to ACT FAST. Get medical care IMMEDIATELY when an infection is not getting better or if it gets worse.

Learn more about sepsis at www.cdc.gov/sepsis.

The Get Ahead of Sepsis initiative offers exciting new resources for healthcare professionals and patients – including fact sheets, brochures, infographics, digital and social media, and shareable videos.

As a healthcare community we can raise awareness and educate to help Get Ahead of Sepsis during September.

Download and distribute new Get Ahead of Sepsis educational materials, which include fact sheets and brochures for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Watch and share The Domino Effect video public service announcement and “Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis” video.
Add the Get Ahead of Sepsis Twibbon to your social media profile picture.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)