How to Prevent Sepsis

Sepsis, a severe illness involving infection and inflammation, can be caused by any toxin-producing bacteria. The body's response to an infection is normally targeted at the site of infection but the immune response becomes systemic in the case of sepsis. Sepsis can become serious quickly and severe cases have a 28- to 50-percent mortality rate. Treatment is especially challenging for small children. The following steps will show how to prevent sepsis.

Instructions

• 1

  Vaccinate patients appropriately. This is the most important step in preventing many forms of sepsis. Infants in the United States are routinely immunized against some strains of pneumococcus and Hemophilus influenza type B.

• 2

  Be informed of specific local infections while traveling.

• 3

  Get immediate evaluation for fever in newborns. A fever can be an early symptom of a serious infection.

• 4

  Transfer patients with persistent circulatory, metabolic and respiratory difficulties to an intensive care unit (ICU). Limit the use of venous or urinary catheters. Provide general supportive care, including the maintenance of an adequate blood supply with IV fluids. Practice good general hygiene, especially the hands, while visiting patients in an ICU.

• 5

  Test for Group B Streptoccocus (GBS) during pregnancy because this bacterium is a common source of sepsis in newborns. Vaginal and rectal swabs should be taken around the 36th week of pregnancy and just before birth for women without a history of GBS disease. Women who have had GBS disease during a previous pregnancy should receive antibiotic prophylaxis during labor.