How Is Toxic Shock Syndrome Transmitted?
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Defining Toxic Shock Syndrome
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Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is commonly caused by infections from the bacteria staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes. TSS is a group of symptoms that may involve several body systems. Infections from the group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are seen in the elderly and in children and in those at risk for diabetes, cardiac disease, chronic lung disease and HIV. TSS originating from the staphylococcus bacteria has been associated with the use of tampons but high risks groups also include women using barrier contraceptives, people with a postoperative wounds and those having undergone nasal surgery.
Transmitting Staphylococcus TSS
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The CDC describes infection by staphylococcal aureus as being found in the skin and mucous membranes. This bacteria can be transmitted through complications from surgery, contraceptive devices placed inside the vagina, tampons and wound infections. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford describes staphylococcal aureus as being able to develop through other infections such as pneumonia, osteomyelitis and through a burn or surgical wound. If burns or surgical wounds become infected with the bacteria, the bacteria can find its way into the bloodstream. Transmission happens through direct contact with the infected person.
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Preventing Transmission of TSS
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Prevention of the transmission of the bacteria causing TSS begins with washing hands if a person has been coughing or sneezing. Hand washing should happen before handling and preparing foods and before eating. A person identified as having strep throat should stay at home and remain there until having taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Wounds should always be kept clean and carefully watched for signs of infection. Signs of wound infection include redness, pain, drainage and swelling of the wound.
Transmitting Streptococcus TSS
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Streptococcus bacteria are transmitted via direct contact with mucus from infected persons or through contact with infected sores or wounds. Those with strep throat or infections of the skin (like impetigo) can spread the bacteria. When the bacteria finds its way into areas of the body not use to dealing with streptococcus---like blood, lungs and muscle---the bacteria can cause TSS. This form of TSS causes a rapid blood pressure drop and organ failure.
TSS Symptoms
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Both types of toxic shock syndrome share a variety of symptoms. The decreased functioning of the liver and kidney indicate the progression of organ failure. Both types of TSS show flu-like symptoms---fever, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, aches and pains. Other symptoms both share include confusion, dizziness and a flat, red rash covering large areas of the body. An infected person may show high fever and confusion. It is important to note that not all of these symptoms need to be present for a person to be infected with toxic shock syndrome.
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