What is sepsis?
The World Sepsis Day website says:
“Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organ. It may lead to shock, multiple-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognised early and treated promptly. Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide”.
Sepsis is a global health crisis that affects between 47,000,000 and 50,000,000 people every year and someone dies from Sepsis every 2.8 seconds. However, the deaths are often avoidable if the symptoms are recognised early on.
What are the symptoms?
You can use the word “Sepsis” to remember the most common symptoms –
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever
Passing no urine all-day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you are going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured
Sepsis is a medical emergency and every hour counts. If you recognise that someone is showing signs of Sepsis then you should encourage them to seek medical care immediately.
How can Sepsis be prevented?
To help prevent infections that can lead to Sepsis, you should do the following –
- Keep up to date with vaccines
- Clean and care for any wounds
- Take antibiotics correctly
- Wash your hands regularly
- Be aware of the symptoms
Why is awareness so important?
Awareness is important as Sepsis is not yet widely understood by patients and doctors alike.
Better education about the condition will mean that infection prevention will be more effective, the quality of care for patients will improve, and most importantly, more people will be aware of the symptoms and will know to seek medical attention sooner.
Raising awareness and providing education about Sepsis will mean that there are fewer avoidable deaths.
You can see our latest blog post about Sepsis here.
How can we help?
At Nelsons, we have acted for a number of clients who have lost loved ones due to Sepsis, where critical warning signs of the condition were missed by the treating medical teams, despite concerns being raised by family members.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Sepsis then we may be able to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact Carolle White (Senior Associate & Chartered Legal Executive) or Kate Frisby (Trainee Solicitor) in our Medical Negligence team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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