Office for the Aging: Learn the Warning Signs of Sepsis

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is calling on caregivers and older New Yorkers to familiarize themselves with the early warning signs of sepsis, reports WWTI News 10 . The office says caregivers and older adults, particularly those with chronic ailments or an impaired immune system, should be aware of the symptoms, obtain immediate treatment, and learn infection-preventing strategies. "Simple precautions, like frequent handwashing and getting recommended vaccinations can prevent the underlying illnesses that often lead to sepsis," said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. "If an infection does set in, it must be treated as quickly and effectively as possible." Sepsis symptoms among adults include a change in body temperature, either a fever above 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit or a temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit; a heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute; rapid breathing above 20 breaths per minute; and tremors and confusion, which may be more common among older adults.