Prevention of Blood Infection

Overview

Blood infections are also known as septicemia which can lead to a life-threatening condition, sepsis. Blood infections occur when an infection spreads in the blood circulation. Commonly, it is caused by severe bacterial infections or viral infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, appendicitis and urinary tract infections. Some of the risk factors are old age, weakened immune system, diabetes, chemotherapy, severe burns, and trauma. Signs and symptoms of blood infections are fever, rashes, cold clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, decreased urination, dehydration, and confusion. Blood infections can lead to sepsis and septic shock which results in organ damage. Blood infection should be treated immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and oxygen supply until the actual cause is determined through investigations