Dispelling Misconceptions About Sepsis Infection

Most people know little about an infection called sepsis and they often worry. The life-threatening condition is caused when common infections such as lung (pneumonia) or urinary tract (UTI) aren’t treated and spread.

Treating infections early prevents them from developing into sepsis, advises Cyrus Shariat, MD, a critical care intensivist at Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont. “Don’t delay because you’re afraid to go to the doctor, especially for a suspected UTI or respiratory illness,” he says.

Sepsis is a severe infection that causes organ dysfunction because of a dysregulated immune response. The infection is usually due to bacteria but viruses such as influenza and COVID can sometimes lead to sepsis. Dr. Shariat explains, “An infection can travel from the source, such as the lungs, in a case of pneumonia, and affect other organs. The organs which are the most common sources of sepsis are the lungs, bladder, kidneys, blood and skin.”

Upcoming Presentation

Dr. Shariat is raising awareness about sepsis, allaying fears, and dispelling common misunderstandings. He’ll explain the signs, symptoms, and prevention tips in a presentation on Sept. 25, 9 a.m., “Sepsis: What Is It and How Can We Increase Awareness?” The complimentary presentation can be viewed on Facebook or YouTube.

The signs and symptoms of sepsis include:

• Fever, chills or shaking, or a low temperature (less than 96.8)
• Shortness of breathing and/or fast breathing
• Fast heart rate (greater than 100)
• Confusion or lethargy
• Extreme fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Rash or mottled skin

People most at risk for sepsis are:

• Elderly patients
• People with compromised immune systems
• Patients with diabetes
• Patients with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney or lung disease
• Patients with chronic indwelling devices

Dr. Shariat notes, “It all comes down to organ dysfunction in sepsis. When we see an infection that is causing other organs to be affected, we immediately suspect sepsis.” Emergency care doctors often are the first line of defense in sepsis, swiftly diagnosing patients who come to the Emergency Department very sick. “I take sepsis very seriously,” he adds. “My motto is: A sick patient that I am evaluating has sepsis until proven otherwise.”

Sepsis Mortality

Sepsis affects 1.7 million people a year in the United States and is responsible for up to one 1 in 3 hospital deaths. Depending on the severity of sepsis on presentation to the hospital, the mortality ranges from 15%-40%.

One of the signs of sepsis, is a blood pressure drop resulting from leaky veins not properly perfusing organs. Elderly patients who have sepsis from a UTI often appear confused if blood to the brain is reduced. A septic person’s heart can become weak, blood may not clot, and kidneys and liver be affected, among other complications.

People often ask Dr. Shariat if they can catch sepsis from an infected person. While some infections, like certain strains of pneumonia and strep, can spread from person to person, most that lead to sepsis aren’t contagious, he adds.

A common misconception is that sepsis is usually acquired in a hospital. Dr. Shariat explains, “I’ve seen many more patients who come into the Hospital with sepsis than people who got the infection during their stay.” While the elderly, patients with long hospitalizations, and those with chronic diseases are at risk, Washington Hospital takes all infection prevention precautions.

Infection Prevention Tips

To prevent any type of infection, Dr. Shariat urges taking steps to stay healthy. He recommends eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, getting the recommended amount of exercise, sleeping well, and listening to your primary care doctor to keep your immune system strong. Managing chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma also helps. For example, having COPD puts one at higher risk for respiratory infections, which could turn septic. Also, a patient with diabetes getting a skin infection that doesn’t heal is more at risk of sepsis.

Good hand hygiene is also important in infection prevention, and Dr. Shariat urges washing often. He also recommends washing any cut thoroughly and applying antibiotic ointment.

“Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to prevent infection, but always remember to get medical attention early. If you present at a hospital late in the sepsis process with multiple organs not functioning, your outcome will be worse,” he emphasizes.

To watch Dr. Shariat’s Sept. 25 presentation on sepsis, log on to YouTube or your Facebook page. Following that date, this, and other Health & Wellness seminars can be viewed anytime at YouTube.com/whhsInHealth