SEPSIS INFORMATION GUIDES

Sepsisand Fungal Infection

Fungi are all around us. Their microscopic spores can be found on the on plants and trees, and on indoor surfaces and on human skin. The most ground and in the air. Most of these fungi are harmless, however certain well-known types of fungal infections include: types can cause serious infections in some people. • Athlete’s foot Fungal infections can occur anywhere in your body but most commonly • Vaginal yeast infection they begin on your skin. Most may cause some discomfort, such as redness • “Jock itch” and itching on the skin and may be easily treated with over-the-counter or • Ringworm prescription medications. Sometimes they do not heal, possibly triggering sepsis. When a fungus is inhaled and enters your body or is introduced into The most common types of fungi that cause serious or life threatening your body in another way, the risk of infection rises, especially if you have infections include: an impaired immune system. • Aspergillus, which causes aspergillosis. It most often affects people with Sometimes called blood poisoning by members of the general public, sepsis lung disease or a weakened immune system. is the body’s often deadly response to infection or injury. Sepsis kills and • Candida, which causes candidiasis, also called thrush. If it enters the disables millions and requires early suspicion and treatment for survival. blood system, it is called invasive candidiasis. • Histoplasma, which causes histoplasmosis when the spores enter the Sepsis and septic shock can result from an infection anywhere in the body, lungs. The majority of people who inhale the spores will not become such as pneumonia, influenza, or urinary tract infections. Worldwide, one- ill, but it can cause serious illness, especially among people with a third of people who develop sepsis die. Many who do survive are left with weakened immune system. life-changing effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and fatigue, and organ dysfunction (organs don’t work properly) and/ or amputations. WHAT ARE THE EXAMPLES OF FUNGAL SYMPTOMS? The symptoms of a fungal infection depend on what part of the body is INFECTIONS affected. For example: There are approximately 1.5 million different species of fungi on Earth. • A vaginal yeast infection usually causes itching and foul discharge from About 300 are known to make people sick. Fungi live outdoors in soil and the vagina.

SEPSIS INFORMATION GUIDE – SEPSIS AND FUNGAL INFECTION • A fungal infection on the skin may cause redness, itching, flaking, and swelling. • A fungal infection in the lungs may cause coughing, fever, chest pain, TREATMENT and muscle aches. Fungal infections are treated with anti-fungal medications specific to the particular fungus that caused the infection. These may be used in a cream or ointment, suppository, or pill form. Fungal infections that cause sepsis are PREVENTION treated with intravenous anti-fungal drugs. Regular antibiotics are not used for fungal infections because they are not effective. Many fungal infections can be prevented by taking certain precautions. For example, to reduce the risk of developing athlete’s foot, it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry. If walking in a locker room, pool, or a communal shower, wear flip flops or sandals to keep your skin from touching the floor. To reduce the risk of a vaginal yeast infection, it’s important to wear “breathable” underwear, avoid using scented sprays or powders, and practice good hygiene. SEPSIS IS A To prevent inhaling spores which can cause a lung infection, wear a mask when working in an area where fungal spores may be stirred up and get into the air you are breathing, such as chicken coops or other areas where MEDICAL EMERGENCY there may be bird or bat droppings, as well as decaying vegetation, which can happen when you’re working in the garden, for example. IF YOU SUSPECT SEPSIS, WHAT IS SEPSIS CALL 9-1-1 OR GO TO A SEPSIS is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. HOSPITAL RIGHT AWAY.

What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis? To learn more about sepsis, Sepsis is a toxic response to an infection. There is no single sign or symptom of sepsis. It is, rather, a combination of symptoms. or to read tributes and survivor stories, Symptoms can include ANY of the following: visit us online at Sepsis.org S – Shivering, fever, or very cold E – Extreme pain or general discomfort (“worst ever”) P – Pale or discolored skin S – Sleepy, difficult to rouse, confused I – “I feel like I might die” S – Short of breath

What should I do if I think a loved one or I have The information in this pamphlet is intended for educational purposes only. Sepsis Alliance does sepsis? not represent or guarantee that this information is applicable to any specific patient’s care or treatment. The educational content here does not constitute medical advice from a physician and is not to be used as a substitute for treatment or advice from a practicing physician or other If you suspect sepsis, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital and tell your medical healthcare provider. Sepsis Alliance recommends users consult their physician or healthcare professional, “I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS.” provider regarding any questions about whether the information in this pamphlet might apply to their individual treatment or care. ©2017 SEPSIS ALLIANCE | 619-232-0300 | WWW.SEPSIS.ORG