Toxic shock syndrome

What is toxic shock syndrome "TSS"?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious condition that usually occurs in women, especially those who use tampons during menstruation. TSS can also affect men, women in the postpartum period, or people who have suffered burns or injuries.

Symptoms of TSS may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, reddening of the skin, reddening of the eyes, rashes, nausea, and dizziness. In some cases, TSS can be life-threatening because it can lead to organ failure.

The cause of TSS is the production of toxins by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, which can spread through the blood and infect various organs of the body. When using tampons, these bacteria can be deposited on the fibers of the tampons and can spread further into the body.

Prevention of TSS involves the use of low-porosity tampons, regular tampon changes, following hygiene guidelines when using tampons and regular hand hygiene.