Why does toxic shock happen

Most people, however, are not affected by the toxins because they have developed antibodies to them. Symptoms of TSS include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and muscle soreness. These symptoms will develop quickly and are severe.

Other symptoms may include pain at the site of a wound, vomiting and diarrhea, signs of shock including low blood pressure and light-headedness, shortness of breath and sunburn-like rash. In general, TSS symptoms can develop as soon as 12 hours after a surgical procedure. Symptoms usually develop in 3 to 5 days in women who are menstruating and using tampons. If you experience the above symptoms after using tampons or after a surgery or skin injury, contact your health care provider immediately.

Toxic shock syndrome requires immediate emergency care in a hospital. Call or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you think you have TSS.

If you experience any of the symptoms of TSS while using a tampon, remove the tampon and see your health care provider right away. Inform them that you were using a tampon when the symptoms started. TSS cannot be treated at home. Hospital care is required for treating a staph infection and related complications caused by TSS, such as shock. You will be given antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop further release of toxins.

Most commonly, Staphylococcus aureus staph bacteria cause toxic shock syndrome. The syndrome can also be caused by group A streptococcus strep bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone. About half the cases of toxic shock syndrome associated with staphylococci bacteria occur in women of menstruating age; the rest occur in older women, men and children.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs in people of all ages. Manufacturers of tampons sold in the United States no longer use the materials or designs that were associated with toxic shock syndrome. Also, the U. Food and Drug Administration requires manufacturers to use standard measurement and labeling for absorbency and to print guidelines on the boxes.

If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. Change tampons frequently, at least every four to eight hours. Alternate using tampons and sanitary napkins, and use minipads when your flow is light. Toxic shock syndrome can recur. People who've had it once can get it again. If you've had toxic shock syndrome or a prior serious staph or strep infection, don't use tampons.

Need help deciding between tampons vs pads. Use this guide to compare the pros and cons and find out the best protection for your period. Wondering how long you can keep a tampon in before you need to change it? Or if you can wear it overnight? We've got answers and resources. Is your period normal or irregular?

What tampon size should you get? Know your flow and what it means for your health and period protection. By: Dr. Toxic Shock Syndrome is not caused by tampons. Reduce your risk TSS is rare, but you can reduce your risk even more by following a few recommendations: Always use the lowest absorbency tampon that will manage your flow.

If it hurts to remove after a few hours, go down a size. Know the symptoms of TSS mentioned above, and get immediate medical attention if you are worried you may have it. The risk of tampon-related TSS can also be reduced by interrupting tampon use with pads from time to time. Will organic tampons reduce my risk of TSS? Is it possible to get TSS more than once?