What You Need To Know About Sepsis

Larimer County is reporting its 5th case of sepsis this year, this one involving another student from CSU. The health department says the cases is meningococcal, but hasn't identified the exact strain of the germ. Odds are the the same that's been making its way around the area.

Once again, its scary stuff, but it's not panic time. Here are some key points.

1. This germ can attack the brain and spinal cord (meningitis). It can attack the lungs (pneumonia) or attack the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and other organs of the body (sepsis).

Sepsis is what seems to be what the Larimer germ is causing, and the best way to describe the symptoms include severe illness. I mean illness above and beyond what you've ever seen. Its usually family members or family who think- there is something really wrong here. Patients are disoriented, confused, unable to stand on their own, sometimes have vomiting, skin rash, bruise-like marks on the skin--- a whole bunch of signs that say- this is out of proportion to any illness I've ever seen. Quick medical care can save a life- so don't be stubborn or try to ride it out when a loved one is deathly sick.

The best protection in community outbreaks- immunization. And if you've been immunized, you need a booster 3 years after your initial shot. We used to think one shot was enough- it is not. The target age group- teens and young adults.

Hygeine Hygeine Hygeine!!!!! No sharing of glasses, utensils, water bottles, etc . This is spread orally, meaning the germ lives in the nose and mouth and gets spread onto a shared object (don't forget lips, young kissers.)

Finally, another case doesn't not mean beat it out of Fort Collins or Larimer County. These outbreaks tend to hit a variety of communities throughout America every year- they then tend to "burn out" in 6-18 months. The best thing you can do is not live scared (since 90%+ are naturally immune to the germ, we just don't know who)- get immunized, and practice good hygeine.