How exactly do you get TSS?? Options

[Annie5332]

I know its from tampons but how?? My teacher was starting to talk about it and didnt finish. Could someone clear this up for me?

[twelveislands]

From the tampax leaflet itself.

TSS Information

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness. It is caused by 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 the cases occure in menstruating women and girls.

Menstrual TSS is associated to 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.

Symptoms
TSS can occure 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.

  - High fever
  - Vomiting
  - Diarrhoea
  - Rash that looks like sunburn
  - Dizziness
  - Muscle aches
  - 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 symtoms, 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 TSS once, you can get it again. You should talk to your doctor before using tampons if you have had symtoms of TSS in the past.

Ways to reduce the risk of TSS
You can reduce the risk of menstrual TSS by using a pad instead of a tampon at least once a day during your menstrual 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.