Ask Dr. Lisa

Q: A friend was recently treated for sepsis. What is that exactly?

A: Sepsis is a serious infection that can originate when bacteria invade the bloodstream and overwhelm the immune system. It typically strikes people who already have an underlying illness compromising their resistance, but it can show up, rarely, in healthy women, especially after childbirth and surgery. The symptoms include high fever, chills, diarrhea and vomiting, and patients need to be treated quickly with antibiotics. Fortunately, new drugs are constantly being developed to help fight major infections such as this one, but you can keep your own natural killer cells primed with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Lisa Callahan, M.D., is the author of The Fitness Factor (The Lyons Press). Send your personal health questions to drlisa@self.com.