Более половины канадцев не понимают природу сепсиса и не уверены в способности распознать его симптомы

More than half of Canadians surveyed say they do not understand sepsis, while a similar share are not confident they could recognize its warning signs, according to new research released at the start of Sepsis Awareness Month. A Leger survey conducted for Neinstein LLP, in partnership with Sepsis Canada and the Canadian Sepsis Foundation, found 51 per cent of respondents said they do not understand what sepsis is, 54 per cent were not confident they could recognize its signs and 56 per cent did not feel they knew enough to discuss the condition confidently with a health-care professional. Sepsis is described by the groups as the body’s extreme, life-threatening response to an infection. New guide aims to improve awareness The organizations have launched Amalie’s Guide to Sepsis, a national resource intended to help Canadians understand the condition, recognize warning signs and advocate for themselves or others when seeking care. The guide was developed with sepsis survivor Amalie Henze, who was diagnosed in October 2023 at age 18 following a suspected bowel obstruction. Henze survived but experienced life-changing amputations and has since focused on raising awareness about sepsis. “My hope in developing this guide is to help raise awareness of the dangers of sepsis and give people the tools they need to understand the risks, recognize the symptoms and know when to seek medical help,” Henze said in a release. Related Stories: Survey finds gaps in awareness of gynaecological cancers among Canadian women Advocacy group urges Canadians to get screened during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Warning signs highlighted The guide identifies several potential warning signs, including slurred speech or confusion, extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever, little or no urine, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin. The organizations say symptoms can vary from person to person and urge people to seek medical attention when someone with signs of infection becomes rapidly more unwell. Canadian Sepsis Foundation director Christine Caron said improving public awareness could help people recognize potential symptoms sooner and better advocate for care. “Too many Canadians still don’t understand sepsis until they or someone they love is facing it,” Caron said. Survey conducted in July The survey was conducted through Leger’s online panel from July 17 to 19 and included 1,532 Canadians aged 18 and older. Results were weighted by age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and whether children were present in the household. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of the same size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.