Every 2 minutes, someone in the US dies from sepsis — faster than heart attacks, strokes, or cancer emergencies.  

If you or someone you love is living with a chronic wound, swelling, diabetes or another long term condition, knowing the early signs of sepsis can save a life. Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection. It can change quickly, and early action makes the biggest difference. 

At Restore First Health, we care for many patients who are at higher risk. We believe every family should know what to look for and when to ask for help. 

What is sepsis? 

Sepsis happens when an infection spreads and the body has trouble fighting it. The CDC explains that sepsis can start from any infection, including a wound, UTI, pneumonia or a small injury. The National Institutes of Health notes that older adults and people with diabetes or poor circulation are at higher risk because their immune systems are under more stress. 

The most important thing to know is this: sepsis is treatable when it is caught early. 

To elaborate on this, for every hour treatment is delayed, sepsis mortality increases up to 8 percent — early in-home detection is critical.

Common early warning signs 

Call a healthcare provider right away if you or your loved one has: 

  • Fever, chills or feeling unusually cold 
  • Sudden confusion, extreme tiredness or acting “not like themselves” 
  • Rapid breathing or feeling short of breath 
  • A fast heart rate 
  • A wound that looks worse, has new redness, odor or more drainage 
  • New or worsening swelling in the legs or feet 
  • Blood sugar levels that swing up or down unexpectedly 

Trust your instincts. Family and caregivers often notice the earliest changes. 

Why people with chronic wounds or swelling are at higher risk 

Chronic wounds and lymphedema can hide early infection because pain or drainage may already be part of daily life. Diabetes can make infections harder to detect. Reduced mobility also slows healing. 

This is why having regular wound checks, clear instructions and fast access to care is so important. 

How Restore First Health helps keep patients safe 

We bring advanced care directly to the home so families do not have to guess or wait for help. 

Here is how we support early detection: 

  • Care teams trained in advanced wound and infection assessment 
  • At home technology that helps identify bacteria, measure wound changes and check vascular flow 
  • Real time communication with your primary care doctor, home health nurse or specialist 
  • Rapid follow up when something is changing 
  • Education for families so you know what is normal and what is not 

Our focus is simple. We want you safe, supported and healing at home. 

When to call for help 

Call a clinician right away if you notice any warning signs. If symptoms become severe or the person is difficult to wake, call 911. 

For non emergency concerns about wounds, swelling or sudden changes, Restore First Health can help guide the next step. 

Your next step 

Request a Consult 
We will talk with you, learn about your needs and help you get the right support at home. 

Refer a Patient 
If you are a caregiver or provider, our team can help coordinate advanced in home care quickly. 

Sources 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What is Sepsis?” 
https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html 

National Institute of General Medical Sciences, NIH. “Sepsis.” 
https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/sepsis.aspx 

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