Is Sepsis Contagious? What Is Sepsis and How Does It Spread? (original) (raw)
- Definition
- Contagious
- Is Sepsis Infectious
- How Sepsis Occurs
- Symptoms/Signs
- How You Get Sepsis
- Risk Factors
- Transmission
- Cure
- When to See a Doctor
- Prevention
- FAQs
What is sepsis?
- Sepsis is an illness that affects all parts of the body; it occurs in response to an infection and can become life-threatening.
- If not treated quickly, organ failure can occur, leading to septic shock, low blood pressure, and eventually, death. Sepsis is a general term that covers all types of infectious processes that can lead to the above symptoms.
- Many types of bacteria, viruses, and occasionally, fungi and parasites may cause sepsis; for the purpose of this article, the term pathogens will be used to include all of the above-mentioned organisms.
- Pathogens that cause sepsis usually first cause localized infections such as pneumonia, kidney infections, abdominal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or septicemia (bloodstream infections) that eventually may result in sepsis.
- The term sepsis is frequently preceded by other terms (for example, MRSA, neonatal, meningococcal, or neutropenic, for example); these terms usually indicate a sepsis subtype that may describe the infecting organism, like "MRSA sepsis" or a condition found in a subtype, like "neutropenic sepsis."
Is sepsis contagious?
Can sepsis spread from person to person? To directly answer the question, "Is sepsis contagious?": No, sepsis itself is not contagious, but the pathogens that cause sepsis are usually contagious. What this means is that the pathogens that may cause sepsis can be transferred, usually from person to person, directly or indirectly (by contaminated items like utensils or clothing). If the pathogens are transferred, the person may or may not develop sepsis; consequently, most septic individuals, while capable of transferring pathogens that cause infection, will not necessarily transfer the condition of sepsis. The pathogens that cause sepsis may remain viable for a while after the death of a person; these pathogens are contagious although sepsis is not.
Is sepsis considered an infectious disease?
Sepsis is often mistaken as an infectious disease because it is triggered by infections, which are indeed contagious. However, sepsis is not an infectious disease in itself; rather, it is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that results from the body's abnormal response to an infection.
A common question that arises is, "Can you get sepsis from being around someone who has it?" The answer is no, sepsis is not contagious. It is essential to understand that the infections that lead to sepsis such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection can be contagious. Sepsis is a condition that results from the body's reaction to these infections.
When people ask, "Is sepsis contagious?" they are usually concerned about it being transmitted from one person to another. However, you cannot directly "catch" sepsis from someone who has it. The underlying infection might be contagious depending on its nature, but sepsis is a complex immune response that is not passed from person to person.
How does sepsis occur if it isn't contagious?
Sepsis happens when the body reacts excessively to an illness.
When an infection, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, or even a skin infection, enters the body, the immune system often fights it. However, in rare situations, the immune system overreacts and releases an enormous amount of chemicals into the bloodstream, resulting in widespread inflammation. This inflammation can cause blood clots, leaky blood vessels, and damage to organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart.
It is important to understand that sepsis is a result of the body's extreme reaction to an infection, not a condition that can be transmitted from one person to another. When people ask, "Is sepsis contagious?" it is essential to clarify that sepsis is not something you catch from another person. It is a serious internal response to an infection rather than a disease that spreads between individuals.
How will I know if someone has sepsis?
Sepsis is sometimes difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms from other conditions. However, if a person has any of the following symptoms that are common to individuals with sepsis, he/she or his/her guardians need to contact a physician urgently. If the symptoms are more severe, he or she should go to an emergency department:
- Fever and chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Rash
- Confusion and/or disorientation
There are new definitions of sepsis. A person who meets at least two of the following criteria, plus has confirmed or suspected infection according to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) meets the definition for sepsis:
- Elevated heart rate greater than 90
- Body temperature either high (greater than 100.4 F) or low (less than 98.6 F)
- Respiratory rate of greater than 20 breaths per minute or a reduced partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in arterial blood
- Abnormal white blood cell count (WBC) greater than 12,000 or less than 4,000 cells/ul or 10% bands (immature white blood cells)
Consequently, a physician usually determines if a person is septic by physical exam and blood tests; people who are septic require hospitalization and immediate treatment.
A rash is one symptom that can be associated with sepsis and may indicate a severe infection, signifying a condition known as rash septicemia. Rash septicemia is defined as the appearance of a rash in the context of septicemia, sometimes referred to as “blood poisoning.” Septicemia occurs when microorganisms enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, causing extensive inflammation and even sepsis. This rash frequently appears as red spots or blotches on the skin and does not fade away when pressed down, indicating a severe infection that requires rapid medical attention.
How do you get sepsis?
Sepsis occurs when the body responds to an infection with a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. This condition arises when an infection in the lungs (such as pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract triggers a systemic inflammatory response. This overreaction by the immune system leads to widespread inflammation, blood clot formation, and potentially severe organ damage.
One of the most commonly asked questions is, “What bacteria cause sepsis?” The truth is that many different types of bacteria can lead to sepsis. The most prevalent culprits are Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and certain species of Streptococcus. Sepsis can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or other pathogens.
Sepsis is not contagious. However, if sepsis develops due to a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, the bacteria responsible for the pneumonia may be contagious and can spread to others through close contact. Recognizing the signs and causes of sepsis is crucial, as early detection and timely treatment are critical for improving chances of survival.
What are the risk factors for developing sepsis?
Sepsis can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk of developing this life-threatening condition.
- Age: The very young (infants and children) and the elderly are at higher risk of developing sepsis. Their immune systems may be underdeveloped or weakened by aging, making it more challenging to combat infections effectively.
- Weakened immune system: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or taking immunosuppressive medications (especially after an organ transplant), are more susceptible to infections that can progress to sepsis.
- Chronic health conditions: People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or lung disease are more vulnerable to sepsis. These conditions can impair the body's ability to respond to infections effectively, increasing the risk.
- Recent surgery or hospitalization: Patients who have recently been hospitalized or undergone surgery are at higher risk of infections that may lead to sepsis. This risk is particularly pronounced for those with invasive medical devices, such as catheters or breathing tubes. Additionally, patients who have cancer or those undergoing chemotherapy are also at greater risk.
- Severe injuries or burns: Individuals with severe injuries or burns are more vulnerable to sepsis due to damage to the skin barrier, which can allow pathogens to enter the body and cause infections that may lead to sepsis.
- Infections: While any infection can potentially lead to sepsis, certain infections are more commonly associated with it. These include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and abdominal infections. If these infections are not promptly and effectively treated, they can progress to sepsis.
Understanding these risk factors is critical because it helps in taking preventive measures, such as staying up-to-date with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical care for infections.
How does sepsis spread?
As stated previously, sepsis is not spread from person to person, although the pathogens that can cause sepsis may be spread among people, both directly and indirectly. However, sepsis spreads within a person's body, usually from a site of infection that is somewhat localized to one organ (for example, pneumonia in the lungs or a wound infection in the leg). When the localized infection is severe, the pathogen may reach the bloodstream, and when this happens, the pathogen spreads to other organs; in addition, some of the pathogens may quickly multiply in the blood. When these situations arise, the person's infection has spread internally, and the person is considered to be septic.
Sepsis usually begins with a localized infection in one part of the body, including pneumonia in the lungs, a urinary tract infection, or a skin wound infection. If this infection grows serious, the microorganisms that cause it can enter the bloodstream. Once these pathogens enter the bloodstream, they can rapidly spread to various organs and tissues throughout the body, leading to a severe blood infection (septic shock).
As the infection progresses, the immune system becomes overactive and can cause extensive inflammation and organ damage, ultimately leading to sepsis, a condition that can be fatal. The progression of the infection within the body and the resulting immune response are what make sepsis life-threatening.
When will I know I am cured of sepsis?
Individuals can be cured of sepsis usually by being hospitalized and treated with IV antimicrobial medications that are effective against the organisms causing the infection. Surgical drainage or removal of the source may also be needed. Depending upon the exact cause of the infection, the duration that the person has been septic, and the severity of involvement of organs, recovery can be relatively quick or lengthy, or if treatment begins late in the septic process, organ damage and/or death may occur.
Sepsis is a serious condition; even patients with no signs of organ failure with a timely diagnosis have a 15%-30% chance of death; those patients with severe sepsis and shock have a death rate of about 40%-60%.
When should I contact a health care provider about sepsis?
The best time to contact a health care provider about sepsis is before it occurs. This may sound impossible, but in reality, it is easy to do. If a person has any signs of increasing difficulties or severe symptoms of any infectious disease (for example, pneumonia, meningitis, wound infections, or organ infections, such as kidney infections), he or she should contact a physician or go to an emergency department quickly. Appropriate treatment of infections can reduce the chance of developing sepsis. Alternatively, if a person develops signs and symptoms of SIRS listed above, they should immediately go to an emergency department.
The key to preventing poor outcomes (organ damage, death) of sepsis is early and appropriate diagnosis and treatment of the infecting pathogen.
SLIDESHOW Bacterial Infections 101: Types, Symptoms, and Treatments See Slideshow
How can sepsis be prevented in hospitals?
Preventing sepsis in hospitals involves several key practices to reduce the risk of infections that can lead to sepsis. Although many people ask, "Is sepsis contagious?" the answer is no. Sepsis itself is not contagious. However, it results from infections that can be spread. To minimize the risk of these infections and, consequently, sepsis, hospitals should implement the following measures:
- Strict hygiene and handwashing: Addressing the question of "Is sepsis contagious?" involves ensuring that health care workers adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols. Regular handwashing and hand sanitizing are essential to prevent the spread of infections that can lead to sepsis.
- Proper sterilization: While sepsis itself is not contagious, the infections that lead to sepsis can be spread. Therefore, medical devices and surfaces must be thoroughly disinfected to remove potential sources of infection and reduce the risk of transmission.
- Prompt identification and treatment of infections: Hospitals should implement processes to promptly diagnose and treat diseases before they progress to sepsis, reducing the transmission of infectious infections.
- Vaccination and screening: Hospitals should implement vaccination and screening programs for common infections. This helps prevent sepsis, especially in vulnerable individuals who may be at higher risk of spreading infections.
- Monitoring and reporting: Hospitals may identify trends by regularly monitoring infection rates and promptly reporting sepsis cases. This helps in understanding the underlying cause of infections and directly answers the question "Is sepsis contagious?" by strengthening sepsis prevention strategies.
By implementing these practices, hospitals can effectively reduce the risk of infections that lead to sepsis and enhance patient safety.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the risk factors for developing sepsis? The risk factors for developing sepsis include being very young or elderly, having a weakened immune system, chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease, recent surgery or hospitalization, severe injuries, and infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections.
- Is it safe to visit someone with sepsis? Yes, it is usually safe to visit someone who has sepsis because sepsis is not contagious. However, you should maintain proper hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, to avoid spreading or contracting any underlying infections that may have caused the sepsis. If someone has a weakened immune system, visitors may be restricted due to the risk of contracting other infections.
- What causes sepsis if it's not contagious? Sepsis is caused by the body's extreme response to an infection, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The hyperactivated immune system causes inflammation, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. Sepsis is caused by the body's reaction to an infection rather than the infection itself.
- Can sepsis be caused by a specific infection? Yes, sepsis can be caused by specific infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections, or abdominal infections. These infections can trigger the body's immune response, leading to sepsis.
- How can you protect yourself from sepsis? You can protect yourself from sepsis by staying up to date on vaccines, adopting good hygiene such as regular handwashing, treating infections right away, and seeking medical assistance if an infection worsens or spreads rapidly.
Health News
Medically Reviewed on 9/18/2024
References
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