Sepsis: The Silent Threat Rivalling Heart Disease and Cancer in the US

Vicki Gunvalson, a 62-year-old star from “Real Housewives of Orange County,” recently faced a life-threatening health scare when she was hospitalized with sepsis. Sepsis, a critical condition arising from the body’s response to an infection, can be deadly if not promptly addressed.

“This entire health scare came unannounced — with no warning,” Gunvalson shared with Fox News Digital. Her experience is especially timely as September marks Sepsis Awareness Month, shedding light on this often-overlooked condition.

“Sepsis awareness can and does save lives, yet only 65% of American adults have ever heard of it,” said Selena A. Gilles, a clinical professor and associate dean at New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Gilles is also on the advisory board of the Sepsis Alliance, an organization dedicated to reducing the suffering caused by sepsis.

Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Long Island, New York, emphasized the importance of early detection.
“Prompt recognition and treatment can be of great importance in preventing significant illness and even mortality,” he stated.

Gunvalson recounted her alarming symptoms: “Two weeks ago, when I was heading to my office, I was very delirious and unclear on where I was going.” Her staff initially suspected a stroke due to her abnormal behavior. After an initial misdiagnosis of “sinus disease” and being sent home, her condition worsened, leading her boyfriend to rush her back to the hospital the next day.

“I was admitted for six days with sepsis and pneumonia,” Gunvalson revealed. She was treated with antibiotics and is now recovering, though she still experiences some memory loss and concentration difficulties.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Gunvalson speculated that her sepsis might have originated from a sinus infection treated with multiple rounds of antibiotics two months prior. Common symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, confusion, shortness of breath, extreme pain, and clammy or sweaty skin, according to Gilles.

“A high fever – especially in those who are at increased risk of infection and are feeling extremely unwell – should warrant seeking medical attention as soon as possible,” Glatt advised.

Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, added, “Fatigue and lethargy in the setting of infection can be a sign of pneumonia and potential sepsis, even without overt pulmonary symptoms.”

Given the rapid onset of sepsis, Gilles suggested using the acronym “TIME” to remember that timely intervention is crucial:
– T – Temperature (high or low)
– I – Infection (know the signs and symptoms)
– M – Mental decline (confusion, sleepiness)
– E – Extremely ill (severe pain or discomfort)

Approximately 1.7 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis annually, with 350,000 deaths each year, making it the third-leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, according to the CDC. “Sepsis takes a life every 90 seconds — that’s more lives than opioids, breast cancer, prostate cancer and stroke combined,” Gilles noted.

A common misconception is that sepsis is simply an infection. “Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death,” Gilles explained. It can result from any infection, whether a minor cut, dental procedure, or surgery, triggering a dangerous chain reaction in the body.

Most cases of sepsis, around 87%, begin before a patient enters the hospital, Gilles pointed out. “Community-acquired infections, such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia and even simple cuts or scrapes can lead to sepsis if not treated properly,” she added.

While sepsis can affect anyone, those at higher risk include older adults, infants, and individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. The first step in treatment is identifying the underlying cause of the infection, which often originates in the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, or urinary tract.

“While antibiotics are crucial for treating an underlying bacterial infection, managing sepsis often requires a comprehensive approach — including fluids, medications to support blood pressure, and sometimes surgery or [a ventilator], depending on the severity,” Gilles said. Surgery may be necessary to remove tissue damaged by the infection, and maintaining blood flow to the organs is vital.

“If you suspect sepsis, seek medical attention right away,” Gilles advised. Reducing the risk involves quickly identifying and managing infections, practicing good hygiene, staying current with vaccinations, maintaining good health, keeping cuts clean and dry, and promptly seeking treatment when infections are suspected.

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