Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection, typically caused by germs such as staphylococcus aureus (staph), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and some types of Streptococcus – in the lungs (pneumonia), kidney (urinary tract infection), skin or gut.
Sepsis is life threatening and catching it in its late stages could cause tissue damage, organ failure and death.
Certain people are at higher risk of infection that can develop into sepsis including:
- Adults 65 or older
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer and kidney disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- Children younger than one
You and your colleagues can get ahead of sepsis through additional education provided by Norton Healthcare.
Download the Sepsis Brochure that details the difference between early sepsis, severe sepsis, septic shock and treatment for each.
For questions or more information, contact your sepsis coordinator listed in the attached brochure.