Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can happen to anyone; men, women, and children are all at risk. It’s a really serious illness that most don’t recover from, but luckily it’s very rare. Despite its scarcity, it should be prevented at all costs, so let’s talk about what it is and how to avoid it.
What is it?
TSS is a systemic illness which means it affects the entire body. It’s caused by staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep) bacterial infections. If your body isn’t able to fight those toxins, the immune system reactions and this reaction causes symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Ladies, it you’ve ever had your period, you’ve probably heard all the scary stories about contracting TSS from tampons. The earliest recorded case was in the late 1970’s and it was due to super absorbent tampons. That’s why we have safer and more alternative ways to help catch our flow now. Today, only about 1 in every 100,000 people get Toxic Shock Syndrome, but half of all cases are linked to menstruation and tampon use.
Other ways people can get it is by using the contraceptive sponge or the diaphragm, if bacteria gets into an open cut, surgery, bad burns, after giving birth, chickenpox, and even from packing your nosebleeds too long. So pretty much anyone is able to get TSS. It’s extremely important to be aware of the symptoms, because the recovery is not easy. If the infection is caused by staph bacteria, the mortality rate is between 5 and 15 percent, but if it’s from the strep bacteria, it jumps anywhere from 30 to 70 percent.
What are the symptoms?
Go to your doctor if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms; although they are pretty broad and some are more common than others, it’s important to report anything that you may be feeling!
-A high fever
-A sunburn-like rash
-Vomiting or diarrhea
-Aches and weakness
-Organ failure (yikes)
-And so much more
How can it be avoided?
Luckily, this illness is easily avoidable.
-Don’t use scented tampons
-Don’t leave tampons in for more than eight hours
-Always use a clean bandage for any cuts or wounds, and change them often
-If you’ve had a staph infection before, don’t use any products such as contraceptives or tampons that are linked to TSS.
It is important to be aware of this serious syndrome so it can be avoided!