What it means
A sudden, severe reaction to toxins made by Staphylococcus aureus or group A Streptococcus. The toxins cause high fever, a rash like sunburn that later peels (often on the palms and soles), low blood pressure and failure of several organs. It is best known in people using tampons, especially high-absorbency ones left in too long, but it can also follow surgery, burns, skin wounds, childbirth and the use of nasal packing or a contraceptive sponge or diaphragm.
For the nurse
Teach tampon users to choose the lowest absorbency they need, change tampons every 4 to 8 hours and switch with pads at times. Remove the tampon and get care right away for sudden fever, rash, vomiting or dizziness.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | TSS |
|---|---|
| Also written | TSS |
Related terms
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
septic shock
The most severe stage of sepsis, in which the circulation fails and blood pressure stays low even after IV fluids.