Did you know:
- that every two minutes, someone in the United States dies from sepsis?[i]
- that sepsis kills more than 18 children in the United States every day?[ii]
Sepsis is a growing health crisis in America because it can occur in anyone, whether they are one day old or 100 years old, and it can be caused by any infection. The fight against sepsis starts with educating ourselves on how to prevent it and how to spot it before it becomes life-threatening.
Intervene Early with TIME
TIME is key to treating sepsis. The Sepsis Alliance designed this easy-to-remember tool to help people remember what to look for.
T: Is your Temperature too high or low?
I: Are you showing signs or symptoms of Infection?
M: Are you Mentally declining (sleepy/confused)?
E: Are you Extremely ill (severe pain/discomfort)?
Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, sepsis can be treated successfully if it is caught early. Some signs and symptoms include: fever, extreme pain, feeling worse than ever, paleness, sleepiness, confusion, and/or shortness of breath. In addition, a person may experience a sore throat, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
As many as 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and treatment.[iii] If you suspect sepsis, get to your local emergency department or urgent care and say, “I am concerned about sepsis.”
Fight with Prevention
There is no simple test or cure for sepsis – the key to fighting it is PREVENTION.Start with these suggestions:
- Protect yourself against infections (vaccinate for flu, pneumonia, etc.) that may lead to sepsis.
- Treat wounds and practice good hygiene.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of infection.
An estimated 37% of adults in the United States have never heard of sepsis[iv], yet 1 in 3 Americans will suffer from sepsis in their lifetime[v]. During Sepsis Awareness Month, let’s do our part to stop sepsis from hurting anyone else.
To learn more about sepsis, visit Indiana Hospital Association at survivesepsis.com or Sepsis Alliance at sepsis.org.
[i] Sepsis Alliance
[ii] Sepsis Alliance
[iii] Sepsis Alliance
[iv] Sepsis Alliance
[v] Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Awareness Month Proclamation
Hendricks Regional Health participated in a nationwide effort to raise awareness of sepsis and its prevention. Michelle Rusie, Educational Services, and representatives from eight other hospitals in Indiana sent requests to Governor Eric Holcomb asking him to declare September 2024 Sepsis Awareness Month on a state level. Late last month, the governor’s office notified them that their efforts were successful!
These proclamations are part of a broader effort to raise awareness about sepsis and its potentially life-threatening consequences. We are proud of Michelle for leading our advocacy efforts in this area!
Congratulations to Michelle Rusie, RN, Hendricks Regional Health who has helped bring awareness to sepsis in our community.
