Sepsis Awareness Month: CDC Remains Committed to Improving Sepsis Recognition and Care
CDC is committed to focusing on sepsis all year, but Sepsis Awareness Month provides a special opportunity to honor the patients and families impacted by this life-threatening medical emergency and participate in concentrated efforts to raise awareness about sepsis. This year during Sepsis Awareness Month, CDC is highlighting new data showing that hospitals have strengthened sepsis programs to improve processes and the quality of patient care. Read more in our latest Safe Healthcare blog post.
Measuring U.S. Progress to Get Ahead of Sepsis
The Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements, which were released in August 2023, help clinicians, hospitals, and health systems improve the identification, management, and outcomes of sepsis. Compared to 2022, hospitals showed improvements in the following areas in 2023:
78% reported having sepsis teams (up from 73%).
59% reported sufficient dedicated time for sepsis leadership (up from 55%).
66% reported their sepsis teams engaged with Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (up from 55%).
These data also highlight opportunities to strengthen hospital sepsis programs to optimize patient care. These areas include:
Improving awareness of sepsis signs and symptoms among certified nursing assistants and patient care technicians.
Evaluating the usability of local sepsis tools.
Implementing processes to support patients recovering from sepsis.
Improving access to key sepsis data.
Implementing processes to support prompt antimicrobial administration.
Increasing executive sponsorship for the sepsis program to ensure the program has the resources and support needed to accomplish its mission by appointing a senior administrator.
CDC will continue to monitor uptake of the Sepsis Core Elements across the U.S. Read more in the 2023 data report.
Join #SAM2024 & Share New Educational Resources
Additionally, you can get ready for Sepsis Awareness Month by downloading CDC’s expanded Get Ahead of Sepsis suite of education materials, including new materials for communities and schools and refreshed materials for patients and healthcare professionals. These new materials were created for parents and caregivers of children, as well as those who work or volunteer with children at schools, daycares, camps, sports, and other extracurricular activities. This new Get Ahead of Sepsis partner toolkit includes communication tools to make it easy for you and your organization to educate others about early recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis, as well as the importance of preventing and treating infections that can lead to sepsis.
Be sure to follow official CDC social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay tuned for more information about Sepsis Awareness Month 2024 using the hashtag #SAM2024.
Newly-released Sepsis Core Elements data show modest improvements in hospital sepsis management practices compared to 2022. Read more: https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/hcp/core-elements/index.html. #SAM2024
Increase in Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States
Parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Infection usually causes no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, rash, and joint pain. However, it can cause serious complications for high-risk groups.
CDC issued a Health Alert in August 2024 to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public about the increases in parvovirus B19 activity in the United States.
People who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have certain blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease), should talk to their healthcare provider if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms or might have been exposed to someone with parvovirus B19. There are also steps you can take to prevent the spread of parvovirus B19 and other respiratory viruses.
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Back to School and Respiratory Viruses
It’s back to school season! As you get back into your school routine, it is important to remember that there are things you can do to protect your child and your family from respiratory viruses.
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help lower the risk of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Stay up to date with immunizations
Practice good hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness)
Take steps for cleaner air
When you may have a respiratory virus:Use precautions to prevent spread
Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness
As a parent or caregiver you also play an important role in helping your child have a healthy place to learn. There are actions you can take to help your child’s school stop the spread of germs.
We hope everyone has a healthy start to the school year!
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Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot
The Respiratory Virus Weekly Snapshot provides an update on COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity nationally and in your state. Check back every Friday for the latest data.
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