The most common signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) include fever, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, low blood pressure, confusion, severe muscle aches, redness of your eyes, mouth or throat, and a sunburn-like rash.
TSS can also cause a decrease in urination, nausea, chills, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider right away. While TSS can occur in both men and women, it’s most commonly associated with tampon use among women of menstruating age.
That’s why it’s important to be especially aware of these symptoms if you use tampons and/or menstrual cup during your period. Additional symptoms of TSS include changes in temperature, decreased alertness, trouble breathing, dizziness, peeling of the skin over your palms and soles, confusion, and a rash that looks like a sunburn and covers most of your body.
In some cases, TSS can cause kidney failure and shock, which can lead to death. So, if you think you may have TSS, seek prompt medical care.
Table of Contents
What does TSS feel like in the beginning?
TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) typically starts off with flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause a sore throat and a feeling of general malaise or discomfort.
The onset of TSS is usually rapid and progresses quickly. Other symptoms may eventually include a rash resembling sunburn, particularly on the palms and soles, chills, and difficulty breathing. Some people may experience an intense drop in their blood pressure, dry mouth, confusion, and fever up to 105°F (40.
5°C). Without treatment, these symptoms can rapidly become life-threatening. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How long does a tampon have to be in you to get TSS?
In general, it is generally not recommended to leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours, as this can increase a person’s risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a bacterial toxin-mediated illness caused by the release of toxins from certain types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
The risk of developing TSS increases as the amount of time a tampon is in the body increases. Therefore, it is important to change tampons frequently and not to leave them in for longer than 8 hours.
Signs of TSS include sudden fever, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, and a sunburn-like rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. If any of these signs are noted, a person should seek medical attention right away.
How long does it take for TSS symptoms?
The severity and timeline of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) symptoms varies from person to person. For most, the symptoms can begin as little as two hours after contamination, however, it may take up to two days before the person develops full-blown symptoms.
Early signs of TSS include high fever, low blood pressure, chills, a faint rash that looks like a sunburn, muscle aches, sores in the mouth, swollen face and throat and vomiting. As the infection progresses, it can cause more severe symptoms such as confusion and delirium, heart problems, seizure and shock.
People with TSS may experience kidney failure, dehydration and other complications such as respiratory failure and coma. Treatment for TSS usually involves antibiotics, fluids and other medication, however, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is key for successful treatment.
What does TSS from tampons feel like?
The experience of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) associated with tampons can vary significantly from person to person. Signs and symptoms of TSS can include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, headache, and muscle aches.
Other associated symptoms can include lightheadedness, confusion, low blood pressure, and redness of the eyes, mouth, and throat. If left untreated, TSS can cause serious organ damage, shock, and even death.
In terms of how it specifically feels, the symptoms can be quite flu-like in nature and may come on quite suddenly. Many people report feeling extremely fatigued, with headaches and muscle aches. Others may experience dizziness or confusion.
The rash that some experience may be extremely itchy, uncomfortable, and may spread beyond the tangential areas (stomach, areas around the groin, etc).
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Doctors will be able to assess the situation and administer necessary treatments. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people make a full recovery from TSS.
Can you have a mild case of TSS?
Yes, it is possible to have a mild case of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Symptoms of mild TSS may include a low-grade fever (below 104 degrees Fahrenheit), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, headache, sore throat, and a rash.
It is important to stay aware of any changes in your health if you suspect you may have TSS and contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. This is especially important as TSS can be a serious and life-threatening condition if not treated promptly and aggressively.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for minimizing the risk of contracting TSS, so if you suspect you may have TSS, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away.
How high are the chances of getting TSS?
The chances of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) vary depending on the individual, as some people may be more at risk than others. The most common cause of TSS is Staphylococcus aureus, or “staph,” bacteria.
The greatest risk is associated with the use of certain highly absorbent tampons, although the risk has decreased since the introduction of “low-absorbency” tampons in the 1980s.
Specific individuals that may be more likely to develop TSS include those with weakened immune systems, those with open wounds, women who use super-absorbent tampons, women who leave a tampon in for too long, and women who switch between tampon use and sanitary pads all throughout the day.
It is important to remember that TSS is a rare condition and is preventable with proper hygiene. Always follow the directions on the tampon box, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after inserting the tampon, switch tampons every four to eight hours, and never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours.
What is the survival rate of TSS?
The survival rate of TSS is difficult to pinpoint, due to the range of factors that can affect the course of a TSS episode. Generally, prompt identification and treatment of TSS is associated with better outcomes.
In one large-scale retrospective study, the mortality rate of TSS was estimated to be between 1–3%. It is also important to note that severity and mortality can depend on the speed and completeness of treatment of TSS.
Those who receive prompt medical attention generally have the best outcome. The most serious cases of TSS can have complications such as increased risk of long-term kidney damage, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, and death.
Prompt medical care for TSS is especially important for pregnant women and those who have weakened immunity or have had recent surgery.
What can TSS be mistaken for?
Tuberculosis Screening (TSS) can sometimes be mistaken for Tuberculosis (TB), another potentially serious health issue that can cause significant health issues. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a serious bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body.
It is spread through the air and affects different people in different ways. Symptoms of TB can include persistent cough, fever, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. When left untreated, TB can become life-threatening.
Unlike TB, TB screening (TSS) is a diagnostic tool that looks for evidence of infection but does not diagnose an active infection. It’s important to note that just because someone has an active TB infection they may not experience any symptoms or show any signs of the disease.
A TSS test may identify active TB or latent TB which is an inactive form of the infection and may not present any symptoms.
Although both testing methods are similar, TB and TB screening are two very different entities. TB screening cannot diagnose TB, so if you have symptoms you must visit your doctor to seek a diagnosis and treatment.
On the other hand, a TB screening can help identify if you are at risk of TB and if you need to take preventative measures.
Where does a TSS rash start?
A TSS rash typically starts in areas where the skin is irritated or damaged, such as the groin, armpits, and buttocks. The rash can also appear on other parts of the body, but it usually begins in the areas mentioned.
Typically, the rash is made up of small red or pink spots that feel like sandpaper and may have a halo around them. The rash can be itchy and sometimes there may be areas of broken skin or blisters. In some cases, the area where the rash begins may be swollen, warm or tender.
If the rash is severe or persists, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Does TSS feel like cramps?
It depends on the individual, but for some people yes, TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) can feel like cramps. The main symptom of TSS is a high fever, over 101˚F, and some people also experience headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.
In cases of TSS related to tampon use, cramp-like abdominal pain may be felt. It is also possible to experience a sunburn-like rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. TSS can be a serious and potentially deadly condition, so it’s important to be aware of any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention right away if you think you might have it.
How fast do TSS symptoms show?
The speed of the onset and duration of symptoms from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is often very rapid, ranging from just a few hours to one or two days. Early symptoms usually include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, and a rash that looks like a sunburn.
As TSS progresses, additional signs and symptoms may be present, including low blood pressure, confusion, muscle aches, redness of the eyes, mouth and throat, peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and headache.
People with severe cases of TSS may experience seizures, coma, and even death if the syndrome is not treated quickly and aggressively. If any combination of these symptoms is present, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How common is tampon TSS?
Tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by toxins released by certain types of bacteria. It is most commonly associated with the use of high-absorbency tampons, especially when left in the body for extended periods of time.
According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of reported cases of TSS has greatly decreased since the introduction of new tampon designs and warnings in the late 1980s.
As of 2018, annual incidence of TSS in the United States was estimated to be at 0. 0030 cases per 100,000 women. Out of all of the reported cases, the majority (70%) were linked to tampon use.
Can your body fight off TSS?
Although most symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can improve with early diagnosis and treatment, there is no definite way to prevent it from happening. However, there are steps you can take to give your body a helping hand in fending off TSS and its potentially serious consequences.
With good hygiene practices, you can reduce your risk of getting TSS.
One of the most important steps for preventing TSS is to practice proper hygiene, especially when it comes to tampon use. Always choose the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow and do not leave tampons in for more than 8 hours.
Change your tampon regularly and never sleep with one in. Also, alternate between tampons and pads to reduce your risk.
Another way to strengthen your body’s defences against TSS is to attend regular doctor appointments and get checkups, especially if you are a menstruating woman or a current or recent tampon user. This will allow your doctor to monitor your health and keep an eye out for any potential TSS warning signs.
Finally, good nutrition and physical activity can also give your body the resources it needs to fight off any potential TSS infection. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to remain strong and healthy.
Staying active is also beneficial as it boosts your immune system and makes your body better equipped to fight off infections.
What should I do if I suspect TSS?
If you suspect you have Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room, even if you are not sure you have TSS.
The symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome may come on suddenly and can worsen quickly if not treated.
When you arrive at the hospital for evaluation, it is important to provide your healthcare providers with as much information as possible in order to get a proper diagnosis. This includes any medical history, a list of all medications you are taking (including over-the-counter and any natural supplements), and a description of any symptoms you are experiencing.
During the physical exam, your doctor may take a sample of your blood or urine, as well as swabs to check for signs of an infection.
Once the diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome is confirmed, it is important to begin treatment immediately. This may include antibiotics to help fight any bacterial infection, intravenous (IV) fluids to help with dehydration, and other medications to manage symptoms such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
Hospitalization may be necessary, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The patient should also be closely monitored for any potential complications that may arise.
It is important to take steps to prevent TSS in the future, particularly if you have a history of recurrent episodes. This may include using a menstrual cup or tampons with a lower absorbency, and avoiding prolonged use or douching.
It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of TSS and seek medical attention if they arise.
