World Sepsis Day: Sepsis Prevention and FAQ

Sep 12, 2024 Cold and Flu

 

Every year on 13th September, World Sepsis Day shines a light on a condition that claims more than 11 million lives globally each year: sepsis. This awareness day is dedicated to educating the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about sepsis to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment. Raising awareness can make the difference between life and death for individuals and communities. 

 

At Simply Meds Online, we’re joining this global effort by providing the information and products you need to stay protected from infections that could lead to sepsis. In this post, we'll cover sepsis and how to prevent it, answer your most frequently asked questions, and highlight how we support you by offering trusted products like Hibiwash and Octenisan.

 

What is World Sepsis Day?

 

World Sepsis Day, organised by the Global Sepsis Alliance, is observed annually to educate people about sepsis, a medical emergency. Sepsis occurs when the body responds to infection abnormally and goes into overdrive. This can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. The day serves as a reminder that, although sepsis is a global health crisis, it is often preventable with proper hygiene, vaccinations, and early recognition of symptoms.

 

What Causes Sepsis?

 

Sepsis is triggered by an infection that could originate from anywhere in the body. This could be a simple cut, a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, or even post-surgical complications. When the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, it can trigger widespread inflammation that damages tissues and organs. 

 

Those particularly at risk include:
 

• Newborns and young children
• Elderly individuals
• People with weakened immune systems
• Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or cancer

  

How to Prevent Sepsis

 

While sepsis is a serious condition, the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

 

1. Vaccinations

One of the most effective ways to prevent infections that may lead to sepsis is by staying current with vaccines, such as those for influenza, pneumococcal infections, and COVID-19.

 

2. Good Hygiene

Regular hand washing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections. This is especially important after using the bathroom, before meals, and after touching surfaces in public places.

 

3. Wound Care

Clean any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds immediately and keep them covered to prevent infection. For surgical wounds, follow your healthcare provider's instructions on post-operative care. Shop our First Aid products here. 

 

4. Appropriate Antibiotic Use

Antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed. Overuse or improper use can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes infections harder to treat and increases the risk of sepsis.

 

5. Hydration and Nutrition

 

Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet support the immune system and can help prevent infections.

 

Recognising the Symptoms of Sepsis

 

Early detection is critical for effective treatment of sepsis. The symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses, making sepsis difficult to diagnose. However, some common early signs include:
 

• High or very low body temperature
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech
• Breathlessness
• Rapid heart rate
• Mottled or discoloured skin

 

If you suspect sepsis, seek medical attention immediately. Every hour of delayed treatment increases the risk of severe complications or death.

 

How Simply Meds Online Can Help

 

At Simply Meds Online, we offer a range of products designed to help reduce your risk of infection, particularly in clinical and post-surgical settings. Integrating these into your routine can safeguard yourself and others from harmful infections that could lead to sepsis.

 

Hibiwash Skin Cleanser (Previously Hibiscrub)

 

Our Hibiwash Skin Cleanser is an antibacterial solution formulated to clean and disinfect the skin. It contains Chlorhexidine Gluconate, a powerful antiseptic used in hospitals to prevent infections. It is particularly useful in pre-operative and post-operative care, reducing the risk of infection in medical settings where bacteria can enter the body through incisions or open wounds. 

Regular use of Hibiwash before and after surgery helps remove bacteria from the skin, lowering the risk of infections that could trigger sepsis.

 

Hibiwash is also useful for general skin hygiene to prevent infections.

 

 

Preventing Infection With Octenisan Antimicrobial Wash

 

Another effective product we stock is Octenisan, an antimicrobial wash designed for sensitive skin. Like Hibiwash, it is used to cleanse the skin before surgery or during wound care to prevent infections from developing.

 

It is also used for daily washing, especially for those with compromised immune systems or those recovering from surgery. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective at reducing harmful bacteria. The active ingredient, octenidine, is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Octenisan is also suitable for use on hair. 

 

By incorporating products like Hibiwash and Octenisan into your hygiene routine, especially in medical or post-surgical situations, you’re taking a proactive step towards preventing infections that could lead to sepsis.

 

FAQs about Sepsis

 

Q: Can sepsis be treated?
 

A: Sepsis is treatable if caught early. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and sometimes surgery to remove the source of infection. However, delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, so it's important to seek medical help immediately if you suspect sepsis.

 

Q: Who is at risk of sepsis? 

 

A: While anyone can develop sepsis, certain groups are more vulnerable, including newborns, older individuals, and anyone with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.

 

Q: How quickly does sepsis develop?

 

A: Sepsis can develop quickly, often within hours. The sooner it is detected and treated, the better the patient's outcome. 

 

World Sepsis Day - Get Involved

 

World Sepsis Day is a global event, and you can join the conversation on social media by sharing information, spreading awareness, and encouraging loved ones to stay informed about sepsis. Visit the official World Sepsis Day website to learn more and learn how to participate in events or help raise awareness.

 

Sepsis Awareness - In Conclusion

 

We actively raise awareness of health and wellness issues on the Simply Meds Online blog. Our aim is to help you become informed and prioritise your healthcare most effectively. It’s essential to understand the impact of sepsis and how it can be prevented through vigilance and proper hygiene. At Simply Meds Online, we are proud to offer products like Hibiwash and Octenisan, designed to help you reduce the risk of infections and stay healthy.

 

If you suspect that you or a family member may be showing signs of sepsis, please seek medical support immediately. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry, and this is especially true with sepsis.