HealthDay News — According to a report released on August 23, 2016 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many cases of sepsis that are life-threatening can be recognized and treated long before the onset of severe illness or death.
Researchers from the CDC found that about 70% of patients with sepsis had used health care services recently or had chronic diseases that required regular medical care.
Health care providers play a critical role in preventing sepsis, which includes following infection control measures such as hand washing and by ensuring patients get recommended vaccines, the CDC said. It’s also essential to educate patients and their families about the need to prevent infections, manage chronic health conditions, and seek immediate medical care if an infection doesn’t improve.
Continue Reading
The CDC had additional advice for health care providers: Know the signs and symptoms of sepsis. If sepsis is suspected, order tests to determine if an infection is present, where it is, and what caused it. Start antibiotics and other recommended medical care immediately. Also, monitor patients closely and reassess antibiotic treatment within 24 to 48 hours or sooner to determine whether the type of antibiotics, dose, and duration are correct, or need to be changed.
Reference
Saving patients from sepsis is a race against time. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention website. Updated August 23, 2016. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0823-sepsis-patients.html. Accessed August 24, 2016.
