World Sepsis Awareness Day 2021
World Sepsis Awareness Day, celebrated on September 13, is observed to increase awareness of sepsis. Also known as septicemia, sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection that needs immediate medical care.
Here’s all you need to know about World Sepsis Awareness Day.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when a body fighting from infection starts attacking the organs and other tissues. It often takes place as a response to a drug or chemical released into the bloodstream to fight infection. These infections can cause various changes in the body, leading to multiple organ damage. If not treated on time, sepsis can lead to organ failure and sometimes even death.
Understanding the condition and its symptoms can help people identify warning signs and get immediate care. Some symptoms of sepsis to watch out for are:
- Fast heart rate
- High fever or hypothermia
- Chills or shaking
- Confusion or disorientation
- Clammy, sweaty, or warm skin
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
Additionally, diarrheal diseases (9-15 million) and lower respiratory infections (1.8-2.8 million) are the leading causes of sepsis. People suffering from these diseases should be extra cautious.
Importance of World Sepsis Awareness Day
The mortality rate for a septic shock is as high as 40%. Sepsis claims over 8 million lives every year. Most people who receive timely treatment recover soon, but a delay in medical help can cause complications.
Unfortunately, not many people are aware of sepsis. When they experience symptoms, they think of it as a natural response to treatment, which isn’t right.
World Sepsis Awareness Day is an initiative aimed to educate people about sepsis. The focus is to help people understand what sepsis is and how to identify and manage it.
How to Observe World Sepsis Awareness Day?
So, what can you do on World Sepsis Awareness Day? The short answer is, you can raise awareness of it. Here are some useful ways to recognize World Sepsis Day.
Educate People in Your Circle
Awareness should start from your own house. Educate your parents, siblings, and other family members about sepsis, including its symptoms, complications, and treatment.
Educate Local Communities
Reach out to local communities in your area and educate them about sepsis. Backward communities with limited access to healthcare are at the highest risk of sepsis. Enabling them to identify the warning signs of sepsis can go a long way in reducing sepsis complications.
Scale Your Impact
You can also create a larger impact by increasing awareness of sepsis on social media and other platforms. Supporting charity organizations by volunteering or donating money is another effective way to observe World Sepsis Awareness Day.
Conclusion
People who aren’t aware of sepsis and its complications are at the highest risk of getting affected by it. World Sepsis Awareness Day aims to educate more people about sepsis and how early detection and treatment can alleviate serious complications. You can play your part on World Sepsis Awareness Day by being vocal about sepsis and educating as many people as possible.
