Toxic shock syndrome
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 immunoglobulin (purified antibodies taken out of donated blood from many people) may also be given to fight the infection
- oxygento help with breathing
- fluids to help prevent dehydration and organ damage
- medication to help control blood pressure
- dialysis if the kidneys stop functioning
- in severe cases, surgery to remove any dead tissue rarely, it may be necessary to amputate the affected area
Most people will start to feel better within a few days, but itmaybe several weeks before they're well enough to leave hospital.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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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