Toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness which receives much publicity and causes a lot of anxiety. Although potentially very serious, it is, fortunately, very rare.
TSS is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by certain types of the bacterium known as Staphylococcus, often known as ‘staph’. This bacterium is found on the bodies of many healthy people, where it causes no harm. Only a small number of staph are the sort which produce the toxin and most adults are immune to it when it is present.
TSS occurs when there is a concentration of the toxin-producing staph in a particular part of the body. In susceptible people this can result in large amounts of toxin entering the circulation.
TSS usually starts off as a flu-like illness with high temperature, aching muscles, vomiting and diarrhoea. There may be a sunburn-like rash on the skin with subsequent peeling. Sometimes the affected person will be dizzy and may faint due to a fall in blood pressure.
There are many parts of the body where a collection of Staphylococci can develop, leading to toxic shock. Both sexes and all ages may be affected.
One site that appears to be particularly prone is the vagina. Staph are frequently found in this part of the body and the use of tampons during menstruation can provide a place for the bacteria to collect. For this reason, it is essential that tampons are changed frequently and that careful hygiene precautions, such as washing the hands, are observed before removing or inserting tampons.
Last Reviewed: 09 September 2005
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