AdventHealth Manchester supports CDC's Get Ahead of Sepsis educational effort

September 10, 2024 — In recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month, AdventHealth Manchester joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in urging healthcare professionals, patients, and their families to Get Ahead of Sepsis.

"We believe everyone should know the risks of sepsis, learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of possible sepsis, and know how to act fast if sepsis is suspected. Community and healthcare professionals (HCPs) must recognize their critical role in infection prevention and sepsis recognition," said AdventHealth Manchester Chief Nursing Officer James Nelson. "We're proud to be part of Get Ahead of Sepsis and its effort to make sure everyone knows how to recognize and prevent infections that can lead to this medical emergency."

Sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection, is a life-threatening medical emergency that demands immediate attention. It occurs when an existing infection sets off a chain reaction in the body. Infections that lead to sepsis often originate in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can swiftly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. This underscores the critical need for everyone to be vigilant about infections that can potentially lead to sepsis.

CDC has educational materials and resources, including fact sheets, brochures, and an educational video about "Four Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis," for patients, families, and HCPs.

Get Ahead of Sepsis helps educate consumers and HCPs about the importance of early recognition and timely treatment of sepsis, reassessing antibiotic needs, and preventing infections. A person with sepsis might have one or more of the following signs or symptoms:

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

HCPs should immediately evaluate and treat people who might have sepsis.

The CDC is asking healthcare professionals to get ahead of sepsis by knowing its signs and symptoms, identifying and treating patients early, acting fast if they suspect sepsis, preventing infections, and educating patients about infection prevention.

CDC is asking patients, families, and caregivers to talk to a healthcare professional about steps they can take to prevent infections that can lead to sepsis, practice good hygiene, know the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and act fast if they or their loved ones have an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse. Get medical care immediately. Ask a healthcare professional, "Could this infection lead to sepsis?" and if they should go to the emergency room.

Visit the Get Ahead of Sepsis website for more information: www.cdc.gov/sepsis.