Frequently Asked Questions
The mission of Sepsis Alliance is simple: to raise awareness of this deadly condition, so that more may survive. Our mission extends to helping individuals who are suffering from sepsis, as well as their family and friends. We also work with nurses and practitioners in the medical community to help spot the symptoms of sepsis, sooner rather than later.
These FAQs are designed to answer the most common questions we receive, from both individuals and medical professionals. Please select the subject matter below:
What is Sepsis Alliance?
Sepsis Alliance is a United States-based global organization dedicated to the early detection, effective management, and the world’s number three killer: sepsis.
Why do we need a Sepsis Alliance?
Every year in the United States, over 200,000 people die of sepsis. Around the world, millions die of sepsis.
In the United States, sepsis is frequently not recognized early enough to treat it successfully. In developing countries, it is recognized, but healthcare workers don’t have the resources to fight it. The Sepsis Alliance is a patient-advocacy group that is raising public and professional awareness of this deadly condition.
Who started Sepsis Alliance?
Sepsis Alliance began in 2005 as the result of the work done by Carl Flatley, DDS, MSD. Dr. Flatley lost his 23-year-old daughter, Erin, to sepsis. You can read Erin’s story at the Sepsis Alliance Founder’s Blog, which is maintained by Dr. Flatley.
Why does Sepsis Alliance need funding and what does it do with the money raised?
In North America, health professionals don’t always recognize the beginning of sepsis. Unfortunately, because of the speed at which sepsis develops and worsens, the longer it takes to detect, the lower the chances of treating it successfully.
With adequate funding, Sepsis Alliance can work on raising public and professional awareness of this often fatal condition. We can develop and distribute educational materials for the general public and for healthcare professionals to use when speaking to patients and families.
Funding allows Sepsis Alliance to maintain an online presence, which can reach to remote areas, where education and materials may not otherwise be available.
With increased public and professional awareness, potential donors will be more knowledgeable about the need for sepsis research, to help better ways for detection and treatment. This may lead to more donations to researchers.
Where does Sepsis Alliance get its funding?
Sepsis Alliance depends on private donations and grants from corporations and foundations.
Will I get a tax receipt if I donate to Sepsis Alliance?
Sepsis Alliance is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. It is a Michigan Non-Profit Organization and has offices in New York and Florida. Tax receipts are given for donations to Sepsis Alliance.
Can I donate in someone’s name, or someone who has died of sepsis?
Absolutely. Many people donate to causes of their choice after the death of a loved one. You may also ask others to donate in your loved one’s name.
I have never had sepsis, so why should I support sepsis research?
Sepsis is an equal opportunity illness that can kill any man, woman or child and anyone of any age, socioeconomic status or ethnic origin. It has no geographical boundaries and kills people in both developed and developing countries.
Onset of sepsis isn’t something that can predicted. A usually healthy 27-year-old mother of three can get sepsis after developing a urinary tract infection just as 75-year-old man who has pneumonia can. We never know if we could be the next one to develop sepsis.
Are there researchers working on how to fight sepsis?
Yes, research is ongoing to fight sepsis, but not enough is being done fast enough. Resources are limited. Because the public doesn’t know a lot about sepsis, donations to research facilities for this fight are few and far between.
What is the difference between sepsis and septic shock?
Sepsis is the beginning of the condition, which leads to septic shock. Sepsis is an extreme inflammatory response of your body to what is called an assault. The assault is frequently a bacterial or viral infection, such as pneumonia or influenza, but it can also be heart attack or burns to the skin.
Septic shock develops after sepsis has developed beyond severe sepsis and the body’s organs begin to shut down.
Can anyone get sepsis?
Yes. No one is immune from sepsis.
Why have I never heard of sepsis before?
Sepsis isn’t talked about very often. We hear of people dying of infections, but often this is really sepsis. Up to now, there is no general, worldwide consensus for a definition of sepsis. This will change in September of this year, when experts from around the world are meeting in New York, to discuss this very issue.
If sepsis is so serious, how come we never hear anything about it?
Sepsis Alliance commissioned a poll through Harris Interactive. Done in July 2010, the poll confirmed that over 60% of Americans have never heard the word sepsis and of those who had heard the word, few knew what it was. You can read more about the poll in this article, Only 1/3 of Americans Have Heard of Sepsis.
This also goes back to there is no consensus of the definition. Right now, if someone dies of sepsis due to pneumonia, the cause of death is listed as pneumonia. If someone dies of sepsis after being severely burned, the cause of death is complications due to burns. The cause of death is not being listed, making it seem as if it isn’t a problem.
What types of doctors treat sepsis?
Right now, it is most often the doctors in the intensive care units who are treating sepsis, because this is where the patients end up when they become sick enough. In reality, any doctor can treat sepsis, from the doctor in the family practice center to the emergency room to the intensive care unit.
Where can I go to learn more about sepsis?
Explore the Sepsis Alliance website for additional information about sepsis. You may also want to learn more at our Resources section, where you will find a wide array of links, literature, and related information on sepsis.
What can I do if my doctor tells me not to worry about sepsis?
You can tell your doctor that you do worry about sepsis because it is so common. If necessary, bring research with you to back up your concerns, particularly patient education sheets. If you don’t get satisfaction from your doctor, it may be necessary to ask for a second opinion.
Can I prevent sepsis?
Sepsis is frequently the result of an infection, so by treating any infection seriously, you will decrease the chances of developing sepsis. This means:
- Taking antibiotics as prescribed
- Finishing the entire course of antibiotics
- Don’t take antibiotics needlessly to reduce the chances of developing antibiotic-resistant infections
- Don’t take someone else’s antibiotics
In order to reduce the risk of developing viral infections, such as influenza:
- Consider getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cough into your elbow, not your hand (to help prevent spreading infection if you are sick)
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food, exercise, and rest
- Seek medical help if an illness does not seem to be improving or it is getting worse