BLUF
This article examines the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), linked to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.Summary
ABC Radio's science reporter Gemma Conroy examines the link between blood clots and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and how doctors detect and treat blood clots. Key points include:
- Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is an extremely rare side-effect of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Standard blood tests can detect the disorder as soon as symptoms appear
- Treatment includes blood-thinning medication and a dose of immunoglobulin.
- Last week, a 52-year-old woman from New South Wales died of a blood clot in her brain, which, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), was likely linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. It was Australia's second AstraZeneca-related death.
TTS symptoms include:
- A severe persistent headache.
- Abdominal pain.
- Blurred vision.
- Leg pain or swelling,
