Today , 13^th Sep is World Sepsis Day

Every few seconds, someone dies of sepsis, a life-threatening illness that results from the body?s response to infection. But this can be prevented if people know about its symptoms.

Sepsis is always caused by an infection, most often by bacteria, sometimes by fungi or protozoa(like malaria). That means preventing infection is the one of the best ways to prevent sepsis.

Not many people are fully aware of the symptoms of sepsis, which include fever, chills, rapid heartbeat and problems with breathing, as well as confusion and cold, clammy skin. If not treated quickly, sepsis can become severe and dangerous.

Worldwide, more than 26 million people suffer from sepsis each year, of which one-third die according to the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA). Sepsis is the largest killer of children and new-born infants in the world.

This day , doctors and hospitals worldwide are urging the public to be alert to the symptoms of sepsis which occur when an infection travels through the human body. The infection is more likely to affect the elderly or bedridden, those have had recent surgery, those with thin tubes such as catheters connected to their bodies, or those with weak immune systems.

Sepsis has increased by an annual rate of between 8 and 13 per cent over the last decade in the developed world. The infection now claims more lives than colon and breast cancer combined.

Every three heartbeats, someone dies of sepsis. In the developing world, sepsis accounts for 60-80% of childhood deaths. Those who survive, both adults and children, often struggle with life.

As I was not aware of Sepsis , may be some of you too had not heard of it so lets spread awareness on this WSD(World Sepsis Day)