Toxic shock syndrome
Overview
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection. It can happen when using a tampon or menstrual cup, or from an infected wound. Symptoms develop quickly and you need urgent treatment.
Symptoms
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can come on quickly. Symptoms include: a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiverymuscle achesa raised skin rash that feels like sandpaperflu-like symptoms
Causes
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infection. It's possible to get TSS: from using tampons or menstrual cupsfrom a contraceptive diaphragm or capafter a vaginal birth orcaesarean sectionfrom a cut, wound, boil or burn that has become infected Your chances of getting TSS are higher if you've had it before.
Treatment
You'll need urgent hospital treatment for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Treatment can include: antibiotics to treat the infectionfluids to rehydrate you, usually through a drip in your armmedicine to help control your blood pressureoxygensurgery to remove infection from cuts or wounds
Prevention
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of catching or spreading a bacterial infection. wash your hands and follow the instructions when using tampons, menstrual cups, contraceptive caps and diaphragms, and do not leave them in longer than needed or recommended wash your hands and follow the instructions when using tampons, menstrual cups, contraceptive caps and diaphragms, and do not leave them in longer than needed or recommended keep cuts and burns clean, and look out for signs of infection, such as a rash, swelling or pain keep cuts and burns clean, and look out for signs of infection, such as a rash, swelling or pain If you've had TSS before, your doctor may advise you not to use tampons, contraceptive caps or diaphragms.
When to see a doctor
CALL 999 IMMEDIATELY if: high fever + rash + confusion (medical emergency).