Toxic shock syndrome

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

The symptoms of TSS start suddenly and getworse quickly.

Symptoms can include:

a high temperature (fever) of 39C (102.2F) or above
flu-like symptoms , such as a Headaches , chills, muscle aches, a sore throat and a cough
feeling and being sick
diarrhoea
awidespread sunburn -like rash
the whites of the eyes, lips and tongue turning a bright red
dizziness or fainting
breathing difficulties
confusion
drowsiness

Sometimes you may also have a wound on your skin where the bacteria got into your body, but this isn't always there and it may not look infected.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for toxic shock syndrome

Introduction

Find out what toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is, what the symptoms are, how it happens and how to reduce your chances of getting it.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

The symptoms of TSS start suddenly and getworse quickly. Symptoms can include: a high temperature (fever) of 39C (102.2F) or above flu-like symptoms , such as a Headaches , chills, muscle aches,

When to get medical advice

TSS is a medical emergency. While these symptoms could be due an illness other than TSS, it's important to contact your GP, local out of hours service or NHS 111 as soon as possible if you have a co

Treatment for toxic shock syndrome

If you have TSS, you'll need to be admitted to hospital and may need to be treated in an intensive care unit . Treatmentmay involve: antibiotics to treat the infection in some cases, pooled immu

Causes of toxic shock syndrome

TSS iscaused by either Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Thesebacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin, nose or mouth, but if they get deeper into the body they can release toxins that d

Preventing toxic shock syndrome

The following measures can help reduce your risk of TSS: treat wounds and burns quickly and get medical advice if you develop signs of an infection, such as swelling, redness and increasing pain al

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