Sepsis Awareness Month

As we are now in September, we ask everyone to be aware that this month is International Sepsis Awareness month. It is hard to accept the huge numbers of people all over the world who suffer and even die from this medical emergency condition.

In fact, more people worldwide die from Sepsis annually than from cancer and opioid over-dose combined.

We are so fortunate in this area to have two hospitals: Winchester Medical Center and Warren Memorial Hospital (part of Valley Health) which have received an “A” rating for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group (a well-known and prestigious hospital rating organization).

As publishers of the book: “IT WILL COME: ALASKA ADVENTURES PALE IN COMPARISON TO SURVIVING SEPSIS” by Todd Denick ( a former Virginian who now lives in Germany) we learned from him and our own research of the devastation caused by Sepsis in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and throughout the world. Covid and Sepsis are a dangerous, often fatal, combination.

Please learn about Sepsis, which can follow even the simplest untreated infection – and be aware of the emergency medical action needed if you feel it may be present for you or a person you care about.

Charles and Bryane Lickson
Front Royal

Editor’s Note: Sepsis defined:
According to the Mayo Clinic online: “Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues. When the infection-fighting processes turn on the body, they cause organs to function poorly and abnormally. Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can lead to severe organ problems and death. Early treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids improves chances for survival.”