Sepsis Causes More Deaths Than Previously Thought
When admitted to the hospital, safety and healing are expected. Unfortunately, hospitals can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses, leaving immuno-suppressed patients vulnerable to infection. Sepsis, the most common cause of death in US hospitals, is killing twice as many people worldwide as once thought [1]. Sepsis is caused by an overwhelming immune response to an infection, leading to organ damage and even death [2,3]. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can all cause sepsis, usually from a bacterial infection in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, or bladder [2]. Sepsis is common in low and middle-income countries, and more prevalent in females, children, and those with compromised immune systems [1,4]. In the United States, sepsis is the cause of one in three hospital deaths, costing the healthcare system greatly and being entirely preventable [5,6,7]. Dr. Naghavi and Dr. Rudd stress the need for prevention, focusing on newborns, addressing antimicrobial resistance, and implementing public health strategies [1]. Individuals can also prevent sepsis by preventing infections, practicing good hygiene, being aware of symptoms, and seeking medical care promptly [8]. It is up to individuals and the healthcare system to take appropriate action in preventing this alarming trend from worsening.
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