Tens of thousands of deaths from sepsis every year – how to protect yourself

Sepsis is the third most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease and cancer. The figures vary somewhat. According to the "Germany Recognizes Sepsis" campaign, at least 230,000 people develop sepsis each year, and at least 85,000 of them die.

The German Sepsis Foundation estimates approximately 140,000 deaths. Furthermore, up to three-quarters of survivors suffer long-term consequences. The German Sepsis Society predicted at least 65,000 sepsis deaths for 2022.

Sepsis is not poisoning in the traditional sense, but occurs when the body's immune response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It is the most severe form of infection. When pathogens spread through the lymphatic and vascular systems, the immune system floods the body with messenger substances for the immune response. This overreaction attacks not only the pathogens but also the body's own cells and vital organs.

Approximately 320,000 to half a million cases are treated in hospitals annually, with a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent . Experts believe that approximately 20,000 deaths in Germany could be avoided.

In addition to hygiene measures such as handwashing and careful handling of wounds and infected insect bites, vaccinations against influenza and coronavirus, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine, which is intended to protect against bacterial pneumonia, also contribute to prevention. The most crucial factor is recognizing sepsis early and acting quickly. Researchers are working on digital methods for better detection.

Contrary to popular belief, the cause of sepsis is not always an externally infected wound such as a graze or a scratched mosquito bite. The infection can also occur within the body. According to the Robert Koch Institute, sepsis most commonly develops from infections of the lungs, abdomen, and urinary tract. Triggers include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi and viruses.

Sepsis presents with very nonspecific symptoms and is sometimes difficult to distinguish from other illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Warning signs include fever, chills, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, severe pain, extreme malaise, and confusion. Many people also have an image of a red line moving toward the heart. According to the Sepsis Foundation, this indicates inflammation of a lymphatic system, which can lead to sepsis, but is not necessarily present. In fact, most sepsis patients do not exhibit this symptom.

Cardiovascular failure with a sudden drop in blood pressure can occur. Septic shock leads to multi-organ failure and often death, especially if the symptoms are not recognized and treated early. Even with optimal therapy, only about half of those affected survive. In other cases, amputations or other surgical interventions are necessary, and organ damage such as cardiac and kidney dysfunction can occur.

Possible long-term consequences include damage to the brain and nerve pathways. This can manifest itself in, among other things, severely reduced resilience, poor concentration, impaired memory, vision and speech disorders, balance problems, and chronic pain.

Last but not least, psychological consequences such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can occur. According to a study by the Charité and Jena University Hospital, three out of four sepsis survivors suffer from new memory impairments or subsequent mental or physical illnesses.

Those most commonly affected are people over 65 years of age, children under one year of age, people with chronic diseases such as lung and heart disease, cancer, kidney disease and diabetes, and patients with a weakened immune system.