On April 7, 2020, the Global Sepsis Alliance provided an update on the relationship between COVID-19 and sepsis. Here, our patient partner Sue Korstad provides the key takeaways:
There remain critical differences between the seasonal flu and the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. COVID-19 has the ability to spread rapidly from people with no symptoms. It is caused by a new virus. Unlike influenza, we have not yet established any immunity to COVID-19 from previous exposure, illness or vaccine. Unlike seasonal influenza, COVID-19 has the ability to overwhelm health care systems, thereby making access to treatment, and care a contributor to greater deaths. This is why we are taking measures to “flatten the curve”.
COVID-19 does indeed cause sepsis. It can affect liver function, and lead to kidney failure, heart failure, and serious abnormal heart rhythms. Without proven, effective treatment specific to COVID 19 itself, the best care approach does include good sepsis care.
Research is being done on vaccinations and various treatment options: anti-virals, drugs that alter the body's immune response, and plasma (e.g, blood without cells) from previously infected persons. It's possible that this plasma contains antibodies that the body uses to fight the virus. In spite of global effort there are still no specific treatments for the virus itself. This is why it is prudent we continue to follow the recommendations and guidelines from our public health authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19.
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