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Sepsis Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Graphic promoting Sepsis Awareness Month in September. The image features a large red awareness ribbon on the left and a stylized graphic of a stethoscope, blood drop with bacteria, and an ECG line on the right. The text reads 'September is Sepsis Awareness Month' in bold, clear letters
Sepsis Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
Understanding and Preventing Sepsis

Wellness Wednesday: Wellness Tips

A stylized lotus flower logo with shades of teal and green, featuring a circular emblem in the center depicting a white mountain peak against a blue and green backgroundAt Monadnock Community Hospital, we believe that wellness isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey we embark on together. That’s why we’ve launched our Wellness Wednesday campaign, an initiative designed to inspire, inform, and empower our community to lead healthier, happier lives.

Image of Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN, with the text 'A note from our Infection Preventionist, Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN' displayed below his portrait, featured on a teal background with a circular logo in the top right cornerA Note from Our Infection Preventionist, Brian Earnshaw, RN, BSN

Sepsis is your body’s extreme response to an infection and is considered a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body, leading to severe complications. Infections in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, or urinary tract are the most common sources of sepsis.

If sepsis is suspected, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately, as it can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.

Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis

  • Confusion
  • Clammy or sweaty skin
  • High heart rate, weak pulse, or low blood pressure
  • Fever or low temperature with shivering
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Low urine output
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe pain or discomfort
  • Becoming lethargic, anxious, confused, or agitated

How to Prevent Sepsis

  • Keep hands clean: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Manage chronic conditions: Ensure proper treatment for conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease.
  • Care for wounds: Keep wounds and cuts clean and covered until they are fully healed.
  • Get vaccinated: Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations to prevent or reduce the severity of infections that can lead to sepsis.
  • Follow prescriptions: Take all antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  • Consult your healthcare provider: If an infection or illness isn’t resolving, speak with your healthcare provider promptly.

Understanding the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures of sepsis can save lives. This Sepsis Awareness Month, we encourage you to stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself and your loved ones from this life-threatening condition.