What is toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, produce a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Alarmingly, half of all known cases of Toxic Shock are women using TAMPONS.

Early symptoms of tampon related toxic shock syndrome

Always begin AFTER a period starts.
may include headache, and/or sore throat,
aching muscles and high temperature.
Followed by vomiting, watery diarrhoea,
confusion and dizziness
sometimes a red, sunburn-like, rash on chest, abdomen or thighs
very low blood pressure.

Please note:
Only one or two symptoms may occur.
They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.
Please read the Case Studies page to see the variations.

If tss is not treated it can lead to:

respiratory distress
organ failure
coma
cardiac arrest
death

What you should do

Remove the tampon (save it if possible).
Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention (Preferably at an emergency HOSPITAL).
Inform the doctor that you have been using TAMPONS, and it could be TOXIC SHOCK.
Take a TSS information leaflet with you.