Sepsis is the leading cause of death worldwide. The Sepsis Alliance defines sepsis as “the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In other words, it’s your body’s overactive and toxic response to an infection.”
The Global Sepsis Alliance explains that sepsis is a global health crisis that affects 27 to 30 million people annually, of which 7 to 9 million die. Sepsis can be caused by a wide variety of infections and microorganisms, from the seasonal flu, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, to Ebola and yellow fever, among many others, including COVID-19. “Now that more scientific data are available on COVID-19, the Global Sepsis Alliance can more definitively state that COVID-19 does indeed cause sepsis.”
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
- Slurred speech and 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 discolored
People at highest risk for sepsis are children under the age of 1 and over 60, people with no spleen, with chronic diseases, and those with weakened immune systems. Sepsis can be prevented with a vaccine, using clean water, thoroughly washing hands, preventing hospital acquired infections, safe childbirth, and by simply being aware.
To speak with a healthcare provider at Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic to assess any non-emergency health concerns, including suspected COVID-19 symptoms, please call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For coronavirus updates and resources, please visit our website at www.primarymed.com.
Source: https://www.global-sepsis-alliance.org/sepsis