Facts About Sepsis

According to a study cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.7 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis in a given year with 270,000 of those individuals dying from the illness. In fact, sepsis is reported to have killed more people than breast, lung and prostate cancers combined.

Despite these statistics, though, more than 40 percent of Americans have never heard of sepsis.

Although sepsis can impact any individual, there are certain groups who have a higher risk for developing this life-threatening illness. These groups include:

• Young children (typically <1 year)
• Those who are 65+
• Those with weakened immune systems or those without a spleen
• Those with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, COPD, etc.)
• Those who have had sepsis before

Ultimately, it is crucial to act quickly if symptoms of sepsis develop. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of sepsis seek treatment from your doctor or a nearby hospital immediately.