Toxic Shock Syndrome

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a type of blood poisoning that will make you feel severely ill very quickly. TSS is a rare but potentially serious illness that can develop quickly in anyone - men, women and children.

What Causes TSS?
TSS is caused by the common bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus - which normally live harmlessly on the skin and in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina of one in every three people. In rare cases certain strains of these bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS.

How Rare is TSS?
TSS is extremely rare and most doctors will never even see a case.

Who Can Get TSS?
Anyone can get TSS - men, women and children. Half the reported cases of TSS are associated with women using tampons; half result from localized infections, for example following burns, boils, insect bites or surgery. The risk of TSS is greater in younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have the necessary antibodies to protect them from the toxin that causes TSS.

What Are The Symptoms Of TSS?
Some of the symptoms of TSS are much like severe 'flu' and usually include some or all of the following:

A sudden high fever (temperature)
Vomiting
Sunburn-like rash
Diarrhea
Fainting or feeling faint
Dizziness
Muscle aches
Confusion

What Should I Do If I Have These Symptoms?
Consult your doctor at once, if you or anyone you know, has some of these symptoms and suspect TSS. If you are wearing a tampon remove it and tell your doctor that you have been using tampons.

Can TSS Be Treated?
With early diagnosis TSS can be treated with antibiotics to kill the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and other medicines, which help counteract the symptoms.

Is There A Link Between TSS And Tampon Use?
The link between TSS and tampon use is unclear. Research suggests that for cases which occur in women using tampons, tampon absorbency is a factor. For this reason it is important that you:

Always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable for your period flow
Use a sanitary towel or panty liner from time to time during your period

When using tampons, it is also important to remember to:

Wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon
Change tampons regularly, as often as directed on the pack
Never insert more than one tampon at a time
When using at night, insert a fresh tampon before going to bed and remove it on waking
Remove a tampon at the end of a period

Source: Toxic Shock Syndrome: information service (http://www.toxicshock.com/), July 5, 2006