Audrey Wiggins, a mother from Virginia Beach, is using her near-death experience with sepsis to raise awareness about the condition. In 2015, Wiggins, then 31, mistook her symptoms for the flu, which escalated into a severe case of sepsis, landing her in the ICU for 10 days, including five days in a medically induced coma.

Wiggins, married to professional golfer Marc Leishman, now runs the Begin Again Foundation to educate the public about sepsis. She has also authored a children’s book, “Katie Koala’s Biggest Bite,” to help families recognize sepsis symptoms early.

Raising Awareness Through Personal Experience

Wiggins’ ordeal began while caring for her young sons. Initially feeling achy and feverish, she dismissed her symptoms as the flu. Her condition worsened, leading to severe stomach issues and confusion. A friend’s insistence led her to seek medical help, where she was diagnosed with sepsis after a prolonged period of testing.

Sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, can lead to organ failure and death if untreated. Wiggins’ experience highlights the importance of early detection. “If I had known what the symptoms were, I would have sought treatment earlier,” she said.

Educational Efforts and Community Support

Wiggins’ foundation aims to alleviate the financial burden of sepsis treatment, which she describes as the most expensive hospitalization. Her children’s book is designed to educate both children and parents on sepsis symptoms, encouraging them to ask doctors, “Could this be sepsis?”

Sepsis can arise from any infection, with common causes including respiratory infections and UTIs. Wiggins emphasizes that early treatment is crucial, as the mortality rate increases by up to 8% every hour sepsis goes untreated.

Through her foundation and educational efforts, Wiggins hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same ordeal, allowing families to focus on recovery rather than financial strain.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.