A life-threatening medical emergency, sepsis is the body’s extreme inflammatory response to infection. It occurs when an existing illness like pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or gastrointestinal infection activates a chain reaction throughout the body, leading to organ dysfunction.
Sepsis can progress to fatal organ failure or septic shock in a matter of hours, even minutes, without prompt treatment.
In the United States, sepsis affects 1.7 million adults annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, resulting in at least 350,000 deaths each year, making it a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals.
“When you experience an infection, your immune system releases proteins and other chemicals to help fight it,” says Iris A. Frausto, MD, a physician-in-training with the STHS GME Consortium’s Emergency Medicine Residency Program. “Sepsis occurs when that response gets out of control, triggering extensive inflammation. In some cases, you might not even know you have an infection that could potentially lead to sepsis.”
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of sepsis, like fever or chills, rapid heart rate, fast breathing and extreme pain or discomfort, to improve the chances of survival and reduce the threat of long-term complications.
“Sepsis is treatable if caught and treated early, often with antibiotics and fluids within the first hour of suspected sepsis, resulting in a better chance of a full recovery,” says Dr. Frausto. “Timely treatment improves clinical outcomes, but the life-threatening medical condition can progress quickly, making early recognition and intervention vital to prevent severe outcomes like organ damage, organ failure and death.”
To help Rio Grande Valley residents understand the dangers of sepsis, South Texas Health System will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Your Health webinar to the life-threatening condition.
Broadcast live on the STHS Facebook Events page on Tuesday, September 16, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will offer important education on the early recognition of sepsis, how it’s diagnosed and the treatment options available. During the webinar, Dr. Frausto will highlight strategies to reduce one’s risk of sepsis.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Your Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
Who: South Texas Health System
What: FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Your Health – Sepsis”
When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Online via STHS’ Facebook page
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
