Recent attention has been drawn to the grave symptoms of sepsis, a potentially lethal condition, thanks to a TikTok video shared by a Canadian cancer survivor. Lauren Wagner, who battled sepsis after surgeries to remove a spinal tumor, utilized the social media platform to reveal the warning signs of this “silent killer” based on her near-death encounter.
In a TikTok video posted in July, the 26-year-old survivor emphasized the gravity of sepsis as a “life-threatening emergency.” Wagner’s disclosure aims to inform the public and potentially save lives by recognizing the symptoms.
Initially, Wagner dismissed the symptoms, mistaking them for a severe case of the flu. She hoped for improvement, but her condition worsened, leading her to realize that she was grappling with sepsis.
Reflecting on her experience, Wagner regretted not having access to such information earlier. She shared, “I wish I had seen a video like I’m making right now because I would have gone to the ER a heck of a lot earlier, and that would have been very beneficial to me.”
Sepsis is a critical medical emergency often labeled a “silent killer” by medical experts due to its potential fatality if untreated. Triggered by an intense immune response to an infection, sepsis prompts a series of reactions that can harm vital body tissues and organs.
The symptoms to watch for encompass a high or low fever, excessive sweating, severe pain, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, and confusion.
Underscoring the critical need for prompt action, Wagner stressed, “This is why seeking treatment early is absolutely vital, instead of waiting and hoping for improvement as I did, because delaying only escalates the severity.”
Sepsis impacts approximately 1.7 million individuals in the US annually, resulting in an estimated 350,000 deaths. Similarly, the UK witnesses around 245,000 cases and 48,000 fatalities attributed to sepsis each year.
Infections leading to sepsis frequently originate in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Susceptible groups encompass individuals aged 65 and above, infants under one year, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those with a history of sepsis.
Using TikTok as her platform, Wagner strives to heighten sepsis awareness, urging swift medical attention. She asserted, “I genuinely believe that sepsis isn’t given the attention it deserves. It’s often overlooked in educational settings, making it crucial for us to equip ourselves with this knowledge.”
Wagner’s mission revolves around empowering others with the understanding of this disease, facilitating early detection and timely intervention. Concluding her message, she conveyed, “Any infection can potentially lead to sepsis in anyone, at any time. It’s imperative for us to comprehend its nature and recognize the telltale signs, so we can seek medical help sooner, ensuring a better outcome. My hope is that this information positively impacts even a single individual out there.”
