If you are a woman, chances are you have read about (or, at least, heard about) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS can be a possibly fatal issue if not prevented, or identified and quickly treated. Patients can die in as little as a few hours. Here, we will tell you all you need to know about TSS. Learn about the diseases, as well as what Toxic Shock Syndrome statistics can tell us. We will tell you how to spot and prevent this possibly dangerous infection. Lastly, we will also tell you where you can learn more about TSS.
What the Numbers Say
In recent years, the number of TSS cases has fallen, dramatically. Specifically, TSS cases associated with the use of tampons have dropped. 93% of all TSS cases were still reported in women and related to menstruation. Over 90% of these patients were also white. A recent study conducted by the CDC also showed that non-menstruating TSS incidents remained about the same in the same time period. Fatalities are also higher in cases of non-menstruating TSS infections. Only about 113 cases of this syndrome were reported in 1999. Of these cases, about 5% proved fatal to patients. Women from ages 15-44 are at the greatest risk for TSS, most likely because they are still menstruating.
What is TSS?
TSS, or Toxic Shock Syndrome, is actually a dangerous bacterial infection. Two different types of bacteria are often the culprit: either staph or strep bacteria. Most are caused by staph. As referenced above, women are more likely to get this infection, especially those that are menstruating. TSS is most commonly linked to the use of tampons during menstruation. However, the syndrome can also appear in men, as well. Some patients may develop TSS after surgery. Minor injuries like bites from insects, skin boils, or even burns can also be the root cause. These sorts of TSS are more likely in patients who may be unhealthy before undergoing surgery or experiencing the specific injury. Most patients who contract TSS will have to be hospitalized and treated for the illness. In all cases, the source of the infection must be removed to continue treatment, else it is ineffective.
The Dangers
So what are the dangers, here? If not caught and prevented, such cases can lead to death. If you suspect that you (or anyone else you know) are experiencing TSS, visit a doctor immediately. Be sure to let them know all your symptoms, no matter how trivial that they may seem. Since TSS can be so deadly, it should be taken very seriously. Around 1 in 10 women who experience this infection during menstruation reported to the CDC that they had experienced similar illnesses in the past. Be sure to follow all recommendations on all absorbent pads and tampons, and read all the inserts and instructions provided with them before you begin use.
Symptoms of TSS
What are the TSS symptoms to be on the lookout for? They include:
• A fever of over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rash
• Lowered blood pressure
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Peeling skin on the palms and soles
• Inflamed liver
• Increased blood flow to orifices, including eyes and vagina
• Fainting
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Seizures
• Feeling confused
• Negative lab tests for bacteria, other than the two above.
• Negative lab tests for other various diseases.
As it stands, only a medical doctor can diagnose TSS because lab tests are needed. This is why that you must visit your doctor if you suspect that you have TSS. Just spotting a few of the symptoms, alone, may not be enough. Or, you may actually be experiencing some other medical issue that also needs treatment.
Preventing TSS
There are plenty of ways to prevent TSS. Try these tips to protect yourself:
• Only use the correct absorbency of tampons or pads for your menstruation.
• Read all instructions and inserts with these products.
• Change tampons or pads on a regular basis while menstruating.
• Wash your hands frequently and correctly.
• Use pads on low-flow menstruation days.
• Store tampons properly, away from heat or moisture where bacteria may be more likely to grow.
• Do not use tampons if you have had TSS in the past, even if you got better.
More Information
Want more information about TSS? If so, ask your doctor or gynecologist. They can often point you in the right direction. The CDC also has great information about the infection on their webpage. Public health agents can tell you lots about TSS if you are curious. Just ask! Other webpages may contain information that is also helpful. As mentioned above, if you are even suspicious that you have TSS, especially if you have recently used tampons, a diaphragm, or had surgery, contact a doctor for help immediately. The risk is really too great to wait.