Post-Sepsis Life: A Challenge for Many Survivors and their Loved Ones

The National Sepsis Alliance recently shared information on what life looks like after sepsis. The article provides insight as to what follows after you are told you can go home.

Every year, over 1 million people in the United States survive sepsis or septic shock. But unlike other conditions that are better understood, sepsis is still a great unknown. Up to 60 percent of sepsis survivors leave the hospital with physical or cognitive (mental) challenges – post-sepsis syndrome. Many survivors live with chronic pain and exhaustion, frequent illnesses, depression, anxiety and more. And most people who live with these issues think they’re alone.

Paying bills, getting dressed, making dinner and other activities that used to be done easily may now pose a challenge.

We are doing a great job creating awareness of sepsis. According to the Sepsis Alliance annual survey, up to 65 percent of adults in the U.S. had heard of sepsis in 2018, compared with only 44 percent four years ago. However, much more still needs to be done to help those who survive. Given that one-third of all sepsis survivors end up back in the hospital within three months of their discharge, post-sepsis education is vital.

“It is important for those who have been discharged after being hospitalized for sepsis to watch for signs of recurring sepsis. The Great Plains QIN Signs of Infection and Sepsis at Home  Stop Light tool can help patients decide when to contact their healthcare provider or seek immediate treatment,” stated Krystal Hays, DNP, RN, CADDCT, RAC-CT; Great Plains QIN Quality Improvement Advisor and Regional Sepsis Lead.

So, what can you do? Sepsis survivors and their loved ones share their stories in the Faces of Sepsis, they give talks using the Sepsis 911 Community Education Presentation, and they hand out sepsis materials, including the TIME™ card at work, school and play.

Learn more by visiting the National Sepsis Alliance page.

Sepsis Alliance – Hospital Discharge List – Post-Sepsis or Septic Shock

Sepsis can occur with any infection, so it is important for consumers and healthcare providers to take steps to prevent infections, practice good hygiene habits, know the symptoms of sepsis, and act quickly if sepsis is suspected. We believe, through this concerted effort and partnerships, improvements can be made in the early recognition and treatment of sepsis to reduce progression from sepsis to severe sepsis and septic shock that may result in death. Visit our Web site to learn more.