Is Sepsis Contagious? Everything You Should Know

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection or injury causes widespread inflammation. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death if not promptly treated. It is essential for patients and caregivers to understand sepsis criteria, its symptoms, and its risk factors to treat this dangerous condition that affects at least 1.7 million people each year. We’ve broken down what you need to know about this potentially deadly condition.

Why Is It So Important To Recognize Sepsis Criteria?

When someone develops sepsis, it is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can progress rapidly, leading to potentially fatal outcomes. Recognizing the symptoms of—or criteria for—sepsis is critical for early intervention and improving sepsis survival rates. The following questions and answers provide this essential information.

What Causes Sepsis?

Sepsis typically occurs as a complication of an infection. When pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the bloodstream, it can lead to an overwhelming immune response. The body’s attempt to fight off the infection can result in widespread inflammation that damages tissues and organs.

What Kinds of Infections Can Lead to Sepsis?

The infections that lead to sepsis can start in many different parts of the body and include infections of the:

• Gastrointestinal system
• Urinary tract system
• Central nervous system
• Respiratory system
• Skin

Infections that develop after an injury can also turn into sepsis.

Many people may wonder if sepsis is common with IV sites or with other invasive devices such as urinary catheters. It may be. While invasive devices don’t cause infection, they can open a pathway for germs, especially if established usage guidelines aren’t followed or sterile conditions aren’t met.

Who Is at Risk for Sepsis?

While anyone can develop sepsis, certain populations are at higher risk, including:

• Older adults: Aging can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
• Anyone with chronic health conditions: Individuals with conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease may have a compromised immune response.
• Hospital patients: People who may be in a hospital for other reasons can develop infections that can lead to sepsis.

Is there a difference between bacteremia and sepsis?

Although bacteria can cause infections, bacteremia is a distinctly different medical condition than sepsis. Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. It can occur without causing any symptoms or leading to systemic illness, especially in healthy individuals whose immune systems can manage the infection.

Is sepsis contagious?

Sepsis itself is not contagious, but the infections that lead to sepsis may be. It is wise to be aware of how infections spread to prevent transmission.

What Are the Symptoms of Sepsis?

Recognizing the symptoms early can significantly influence sepsis recovery. Common signs include:

• Fever or hypothermia: Patients may experience a high fever or, in some cases, a drop in body temperature.
• Increased heart rate: This can indicate that the body is under stress due to infection.
• Altered mental state: Confusion, disorientation, or difficulty waking can indicate that the infection is affecting brain function.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing may occur as a result of lung involvement.
  Extreme pain or discomfort: Patients often report severe pain that may not have an apparent cause.
• Cold, clammy skin: This can be a sign of septic shock, where the body is experiencing a severe drop in blood pressure due to infection.
• Urinary tract issues: Urinary tract issues such as frequent or sudden urination, pain or burning when urinating, or blood in the urine could lead to sepsis.

If experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

How Is Sepsis Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers use specific tools and sepsis criteria to diagnose the condition, which include:

1. Uncovering the infection: It will be confirmed through clinical signs or laboratory tests, including blood tests.

2. Determining the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) Score: This score evaluates a patient’s degree of organ dysfunction. This scoring system assesses six different organ systems and processes:

• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Hepatic (Liver)
• Renal (Kidney)
• Coagulation (Blood clotting)
• Neurological

An increase in the SOFA score indicates worsening function in one or more of these systems due to the body’s response to infection.

3. Noting SIRS Criteria: The Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria also help identify at-risk patients. These include an elevated heart rate, an increased respiratory rate, an abnormal body temperature, and changes in white blood cell count.

How Is Sepsis Treated?

Effective treatments are tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Most critical is the identification and elimination of the infection source. This may involve surgical intervention, drainage of abscesses, or removal of infected devices, such as catheters. Other treatments may include:

• Antibiotic therapy: This combats the underlying infection. Antibiotics should be given within the first hour of recognizing sepsis to maximize their effectiveness.
• Fluid resuscitation: Adequate fluid volume helps restore blood pressure and improve organ function.
• Vasoactive medications: In cases of severe sepsis or septic shock, medications may be necessary to stabilize blood pressure and ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs.

Patients may require additional supportive measures, including oxygen therapy for respiratory distress.

Talk To Your Doctor Immediately If You Suspect Sepsis

Early identification and treatment are critical for improving sepsis survival rates. At North Carolina Specialty Hospital, your good health is our top priority. We know the signs for which to look, and we have the advanced treatments you need. Our protocols for managing infections (such as COVID-19), caring for invasive devices, and maintaining sterile environments are second to none. This is why we’ve received a 5-star CMS Rating for patient experience, among other awards and recognitions.

If you suspect you or a loved one may have sepsis, please don’t wait. Reach out to your NCSH physician immediately.