Prompt diagnosis of sepsis is absolutely essential

As your article (“VA Doctors, nurses learn new sepsis treatment techniques”) noted, prompt diagnosis and treatment of sepsis is essential. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a million Americans develop sepsis each year, and about half of them die. Seniors, infants, and people with weakened immune systems or other chronic conditions are more vulnerable, but healthy people of any age can be affected.

The CDC has a reliable, accurate information at https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/ basic, including a list of sepsis symptoms: “fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, rash, confusion and disorientation.” The CDC urges everyone to learn the symptoms of sepsis and seek medical care right away, if any occur.

Aleta Kerrick Program manager PlaneTalk editor PlaneTree Health Library Los Gatos