Suspect sepsis? Say sepsis.
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Have you ever heard of blood poisoning? Well, that is what some call sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can happen when infection spreads through your whole body. The infection could be from bacteria or a virus. If sepsis is not treated early, it can damage your organs, and can kill you.
Signs and symptoms of sepsis
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Fever greater than 101 degrees and/or shaking chills
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Very low temperature (less than 96.8F)
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Confusion, sleepiness, and/or less alert
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Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and unable to keep down food and fluids for more than 12 hours.
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Fast heartbeat without activity
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Hard to breathe, breathing very fast or very slow
What can be done?
If you or a member of your family has any of these symptoms, go to the Emergency Department immediately!
Don’t be afraid to say: “Could this be sepsis?” The sooner you or a family member gets treatment, the better.