Sepsis conference held in Albany
October 04, 2018 01:00 PM
As we move into cold and flu season, doctors encourage us to get the flu vaccine to prevent not only the flu, but a potentially deadly complication -- sepsis.
Sepsis can happen following any type of infection. Our body's infection-fighting ability goes into over-drive and attacks our organs.
It's not clear why our body's infection-fighting mechanism, in essence, goes haywire. What is clear: the results can be deadly.
At a first of its kind conference on sepsis in Albany on Wednesday, health providers and families gathered to learn the symptoms, need for quick action and steps to take to get the word out.
NewsChannel 13’s Benita Zahn was honored to be among the presenters.
While any type of infection can trigger sepsis, the very young, people 50 and older and people with ailments affecting the immune system, including cancer, COPD and diabetes, are at greater risk.
There is no simple test for sepsis, so it's critical we're all aware of the symptoms - which can be can be remembered by thinking “TIME.”
- T – Temperature high or low
- I – Infection signs
- M – Mental status changes
- E – Extreme pain or discomfort
Low blood pressure and high heart rate are other symptoms.
Early identification is key before organs are attacked and shut down.
The Centers for Disease Control says 270,000 lives are lost to sepsis every year.
Credits
WNYT Staff
Updated: October 04, 2018 01:00 PM
Created: October 04, 2018 01:00 PM
Copyright 2018 WNYT-TV LLC, a Hubbard Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved