Every September, health care professionals, advocates and organizations across the country observe Sepsis Awareness Month, a critical time to educate the public and health care providers about one of the most serious but preventable medical emergencies: sepsis.
Designated by Sepsis Alliance in 2011, this month-long campaign urges action to prevent sepsis, improve early recognition and save lives. With 1.7 million Americans affected and more than 350,000 adult lives lost each year, sepsis remains the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals.
This year’s theme, “Infection Prevention is Sepsis Prevention™,” underscores the powerful connection between basic infection control and preventing life-threatening complications.
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme and often deadly response to infection. When an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body, it can cause tissue damage, organ failure and death. It can begin from something as common as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or even a surgical wound.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Its early symptoms can look like other common illnesses, but they can rapidly progress. Recognizing the signs and seeking immediate care is the best defense. Some common warning signs include:
- High or low body temperatures, fever or chills
- Rapid heart rate or fast breathing
- Confusion, dizziness or fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Clammy or pale skin
- Shortness of breath or organ dysfunction
The Role of Hospitals in Preventing Sepsis
Preventing infections is the first line of defense against sepsis. In hospitals, this means rigorous adherence to evidence-based infection control practices:
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Timely use of antibiotics
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Strict hand hygiene
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Proper wound care
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Monitoring for early signs of infection or sepsis
Hospitals that implement strong sepsis protocols, including rapid assessment and treatment, can significantly reduce complications and mortality.
Empowering Patients and Families
Preventing sepsis is a group effort. Patients and families play a key role too:
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Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
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Keep vaccinations up to date
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Clean and monitor wounds
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Seek medical care promptly for infections
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Learn the signs and symptoms of sepsis
Early recognition saves lives. If you or a loved one is recovering from surgery, an infection or hospitalization, be vigilant for symptoms and don’t hesitate to speak up.
Using the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are assigned to nearly 3,000 general acute-care hospitals across the nation twice annually. The Safety Grade uses up to 30 national performance measures from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and information from other supplemental data sources. When choosing a hospital, checking its Safety Grade can help guide your decision. Under the "Infections" tab, you can see how a hospital performs on sepsis infections after surgery. Safer hospitals closely monitor patients for signs of sepsis following surgical procedures. Visit hospitalsafetygrade.org to check your local hospitals.
Why Sepsis Awareness Month Matters
Every life lost to sepsis is one too many, especially when so many of these tragedies are preventable. Sepsis Awareness Month is a call to action:
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For health care workers to follow best practices
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For patients to recognize the signs
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For hospitals to be transparent and accountable
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For all of us to prioritize infection prevention
By raising awareness, demanding transparency, and pushing for continuous improvement in health care safety, we can reduce the toll of sepsis and protect more lives.
Let’s work together to ensure that infection prevention is a top priority in every health care setting.