Sepsis conference held in Albany

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.