Toxic shock syndrome

Symptoms

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) can come on quickly.

Symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• muscle aches
• a raised skin rash that feels like sandpaper
• flu-like symptoms

Causes

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare infection.

It's possible to get TSS:

• from using tampons or menstrual cups
• from a contraceptive diaphragm or cap
• after a vaginal birth or caesarean section
• from a cut, wound, boil or burn that has become infected

Your chances of getting TSS are higher if you've had it before.

Treatment Options

You'll need urgent hospital treatment for toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Treatment can include:

• antibiotics to treat the infection
• fluids to rehydrate you, usually through a drip in your arm
• medicine to help control your blood pressure
• oxygen
• surgery to remove infection from cuts or wounds

Prevention Tips

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare, but there are things you can do to reduce your chance of catching or spreading a bacterial infection.

Do

• 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

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 an ambulance or go to emergency department if:

A baby or young child has any of these symptoms:

• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast
• a weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry
• not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities
• being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake

They may not have all these symptoms.

Call an ambulance or go to emergency department if:

An adult or older child has any of these symptoms:

• acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense
• blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast
• large areas of peeling skin

They may not have all these symptoms.

Do not drive to emergency department. Ask someone to drive you or call and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

Get urgent help from GP if:

You think you might have toxic shock syndrome and you have any of these symptoms:

• a high temperature
• feeling shivery, with muscle aches
• vomiting and diarrhoea
• severe pain in your arms or legs, or all over your body
• a rash that feels rough like sandpaper – the rash may look red, which can be harder to see on brown or black skin
• the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, tongue and the whites of your eyes turn bright red
• swollen or peeling skin
• feeling sick, dizzy or confused

If you're using a tampon or menstrual cup, remove it. Tell your GP that you were using one.