Staying healthy is always a priority, but as we bid farewell to summer, usher the kids back to school, welcome the fall colors, and prepare for colder temperatures, we need to remain vigilant to prevent the spread of germs. The KP.2 strain of COVID-19 is spreading across the country with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza following close behind. For most healthy individuals, fighting off a virus or cold isn’t a problem but for those with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, a simple viral, bacterial, or fungal infection could progress to sepsis. As clinicians, we struggle with the treatment of sepsis, an uncontrolled response to infection that can lead to organ failure and possibly death. But what if we block it before it can even begin? The strategy is simple and one that has been coined by the Sepsis Alliance as “infection prevention is sepsis prevention™.”
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2024) cites data from 2020 indicating there were 48.9 million cases and 11 million sepsis-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 20% of all deaths globally. We are all susceptible to sepsis, but some individuals are more susceptible than others. As nurses, it’s critical that we emphasize the importance of infection prevention not only to our patients, but to our family, friends, and our wider community. The following populations are at higher risk for sepsis and should take extra precautions to prevent acquiring and spreading infections (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024a).
- Individuals 65 or older
- Children younger than one year
- Individuals who are pregnant or post-partum
- Individuals who have survived sepsis
- Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung, and kidney disease
- Individuals with recent severe illness, surgery, or hospitalization
- Individuals with weakened immune systems such as HIV or cancer
While strict infection prevention strategies were adopted with high compliance worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, fatigue has caused most of us to relax these important habits. However, they are worth repeating and can never be over-emphasized. Clinicians working in health care settings should continue to practice these measures (CDC, 2024b):
- Perform strict hand hygiene, preferably using soap or hand sanitizer.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary during patient contact.
- Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
- Follow guidelines for proper patient placement and isolation precautions.
- Keep wounds and incision sites clean and monitor for signs of infection.
- Frequently disinfect equipment and patient rooms.
- Dispose of hazardous materials appropriately.
- Follow safe injection practices.
For those at high risk for infection, and individuals living with someone who is immunocompromised, continue to maintain these healthy habits:
- Discuss appropriate vaccinations with your healthcare provider.
- Perform frequent hand hygiene, preferably using soap or hand sanitizer.
- Practice respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
- Avoid crowded spaces.
- Wear a mask in public.
- Avoid handshakes.
Remember preventing the spread of illness will help reduce the incidence of sepsis! For more information about sepsis, read our updated blog by nurse practitioner Megan Doble:
What is sepsis? What the public needs to know.
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