Toxic Shock Syndrome, or TSS, is a rare condition that can happen as a result of being infected with the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or the streptococcus bacteria. This condition can affect anyone of any age and can be related to skin wounds that become infected, time in the hospital, or the use of menstrual cups, contraceptive sponges, and diaphragms.
The symptoms of TSS are:
As TSS symptoms progress, patients who do not seek emergency medical treatment can experience shock, renal failure, and even death.
TSS can happen after you have gotten a wound and it has become infected or when you are using items like tampons or menstrual cups that have become contaminated with staph or strep bacteria. Those who have had recent surgery or have a viral infection like the flu or chickenpox are also more likely to get TSS. This condition can progress very rapidly and always requires emergency medical care.
The risk factors for getting TSS are:
There is no single test for TSS. Some patients will be in medical distress when they arrive at an emergency room and be treated for their symptoms on the supposition that the cause is TSS. Skin swabs can be taken to test for the bacteria that can cause TSS, but treatment will always be started right away since this is a potentially life-threatening condition. Blood and urine samples might also be obtained to confirm diagnosis while treatment is begun.
Treatment for this condition can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. Antibiotics will always be given to the patient, potentially through intravenous delivery while in the hospital. Some patients will be given blood transfusions from other people who have successfully fought off TSS or an infection related to the bacteria that cause it. Oxygen can be given to help those who are suffering breathing difficulties related to their TSS infection, and other treatment protocols might be necessary to stabilise the organs and other impacted body systems until the antibiotics or plasma have time to help treat the infection.
Prevention of this condition involves making sure that you do not leave tampons in your vaginal cavity for more than four hours. Using the lowest absorbency tampon that you can also help with the risk of this condition. Contraceptive devices need to be washed frequently with antibacterial soap, and disposable devices should never be reused.
Make sure that you take cuts and breaks in the skin seriously, particularly if you have an immune disease or condition. Pay attention to signs of infection and rashes on the skin and get treatment for these kinds of infections right away. Make sure that you wash your hands before handling tampons, menstrual cups, or wounds on the skin. Maintain good personal hygiene at all times.