Is sepsis contagious?
Disease description:
A colleague at the company has been diagnosed with sepsis, and there is concern about whether it could be contagious. Could you please advise if sepsis is contagious?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Septicemia itself is not a contagious disease. It refers to a clinical syndrome in which bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms and their toxins enter the bloodstream, grow and multiply there, causing systemic infection and inflammatory response. Septicemia occurs when pathogens invade the body and the immune system responds by releasing large amounts of inflammatory mediators, leading to multiple organ dysfunction throughout the body.
The infection sources in patients with septicemia are certain contagious pathogens (such as viruses and certain bacteria). The pathogens causing septicemia may originate from transmissible diseases, such as certain types of pneumonia and urinary tract infections. These primary diseases may spread from person to person through airborne transmission, contact transmission, and other means, but septicemia itself is not directly contagious.
Individuals with weakened immune systems should pay particular attention to preventing infections in order to reduce the risk of developing septicemia. Implementing appropriate isolation and disinfection measures for patients with septicemia can effectively prevent cross-infection of pathogens and protect the safety of other patients and healthcare personnel.
