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Toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, acute and serious illness, affecting around 40 people in the UK each year.  Anyone can get TSS – men, women and children.  Younger people are at greater risk, as older people are more likely to have built up the antibodies needed to protect them from the toxins.  However, it is so rare that most doctors will not see a case of TSS during their medical career.

The toxins involved are poisons made by bacteria named Staphylococci or Streptococci.  Staphylococcus aureus normally live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina of one in every three people.

Shock is a condition caused by the effect of these toxins in some situations, where the blood pressure falls dramatically.  A number of clinical problems including fever and rash, as well as shock, must also be present in order for this diagnosis to be made.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention

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