Toxic shock syndrome - TSS - reducing the risks

Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms
TSS Symptoms
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you must immediately:
Ways to reduce the risks of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
The right way to use tampons:

Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms

Ways to reduce the risks of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious illness which can be fatal. It is caused by the toxins produced by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which is commonly found in the nose and vagina. TSS can occur in men, women and children. Approximately one-half of TSS cases occur in women and girls during their menstruation and this menstrual TSS is associated with tampon use. It is more likely to occur in teenage girls and women under 30 than in older women. Early recognition and treatment of the symptoms are important.

TSS Symptoms

Toxic shock syndrome can occur anytime during menstruation or shortly thereafter. It can rapidly progress from flu-like symptoms to a serious illness that can be fatal. The warning signs of TSS are listed below, but all of them may not be present:

    * A sudden high fever usually over 39⁰C
    * Vomiting
    * Diarrhoea
    * Rash that looks like sunburn
    * Dizziness
    * Muscle aches
    * Sore throat
    * Fainting or near fainting when standing up
    * Skin peeling may occur in later stages of the illness.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you must immediately:

    * Remove Tampon
    * Seek medical attention
    * Tell your doctor if you have been using a tampon and are concerned about TSS

If you had toxic shock syndrome once you can get it again. You should talk to your doctor before using tampons if you have had symptoms of TSS in the past.

Ways to reduce the risks of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)

You can reduce the risk of menstrual TSS by using a sanitary pad instead of a tampon at least once each day during your period and by using the tampon with the minimum absorbency required to meet your needs. You can also essentially eliminate the risk of menstrual TSS by not using tampons.

The right way to use tampons:

    * Remember to wash your hands before and after inserting and removing the tampon.
    * You should change your tampon every 4 to 8 hours
    * Be sure to use the lowest absorbency tampon for your flow.
    * Always remove your used tampon before inserting a new one.
    * Be sure to remove your last tampon at the end of your period.
    * Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual flow only. Do not use a tampon in anticipation of your period or to absorb non-menstrual vaginal discharge.
    * If you wish to use this product overnight, you may do so, provided that you insert a fresh tampon before retiring and remove it immediately upon waking.You should never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours to reduce the risk of TSS during your menstruation.

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