| Q1. |
What is Toxic Shock
Syndrome (TSS)? |
| A1. |
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
is a very rare, but potentially serious illness that can
affect males or females at any age, but more commonly
during the adolescent years. It is caused by a particular
type of bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. ie a type
which makes a toxin (like a poison)
It is not clear why only a few of the many people who have
been in contact with these poisonous bacteria go on to
develop TSS. The majority of cases do not develop TSS as
people develop specific antibodies to protect them against
the bacteria l toxin that causes TSS. |
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| Q2. |
What causes TSS? |
| A2. |
TSS is caused by
the common bacterium- Staphylococcus aureus - (only those that are toxin
producing) & which are normally found on the skin, in the nose,
armpit, groin or vagina of one in every three people. In most cases they
live in these areas without causing any health problems. In rare cases,
when an individual doesn't make antibodies to the toxin, an illness can
occur, TSS. |
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| Q3. |
Can anyone get TSS? |
| A3. |
Yes. Anyone of
any age can get TSS. However, the risk of TSS is greater in younger
people. |
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| Q4. |
What are the
symptoms of TSS? |
| A4. |
The early
symptoms are very similar to the "flu" which can make diagnosis
difficult. The key warning signs to watch for include:
· A sudden, high fever (39oC+)
· Low blood pressure( feeling of dizziness)
· Diarrhea
· Dizziness |
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| Q5. |
What should I
do if I have any of the symptoms? |
| A5. |
If you, or anyone
you know, have some of these symptoms and are concerned about TSS, it is
important that you contact a hospital or your doctor immediately.
Here are some simple steps to follow if you have these symptoms:
1. If you have these symptoms and you are using a tampon, remove it
without delay (keep the tampon to show your doctor for laboratory
examination).
2. Inform your doctor that you have been using tampons. Don't worry about
being an "alarmist" - although extremely rare, it is important
that TSS is ruled out or treated promptly.
3. You should seek medical advice before using tampons again if you have
had TSS in the past. |
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| Q6. |
Can TSS be
treated? |
| A6. |
With early
diagnosis TSS can be successfully treated with antibiotics. In very rare
cases, TSS can prove to be fatal (6% average overall). However, it is
important to remember that if the symptoms are recognized early and
treated appropriately the patient should make a full recovery. |
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| Q7. |
Is there a greater
risk of developing TSS from tampons made from different
fibers, specifically cotton or rayon? |
| A7. |
The US Centers for Disease
Control, which has conducted careful epidemiological studies
of these issues over 15 years, has found no evidence that
the use of rayon fibers in a tampon increases the risk
of TSS compared to the use of cotton fibers. |
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| Q8. |
How rare is TSS? |
| A8. |
TSS is extremely rare.
In fact, most GPs will never see a case of TSS.
According to the UK Public Health Laboratory Service,
between 1985 and 1990 there was an average of 20 confirmed
cases of TSS per year, out of a total population of 58
million.
In the US, approximately one in 100,000 menstruating women
contract the illness per year.
Figures for Australia are not available as TSS is not
a notifiable disease, ie medical professionals do not
have to notify authorities about cases of TSS. |
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| Q9. |
Can you get TSS more
than once? |
| A9. |
Yes. People who have had
TSS do not seem to develop immunity as their body cannot
build up antibodies to protect them from the toxin. If
you have TSS and it is not treated this also adds to the
chance of TSS reoccurring. |
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| Q10. |
Do tampons cause TSS? |
| A10. |
No. After more than 10
years of research by medical and scientific experts, there
is no evidence that tampons directly cause TSS. It is
important to remember that the bacteria, staphylococcus
aureus, are the cause of the illness - not the tampon.
This explains why women using pads, men, children and
can get TSS. However, women who use tampons during their
period have a higher risk of TSS than women who don't. |
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| Q11. |
What is the link between
TSS and tampon use? |
| A11. |
Research has suggested
that the risk of tampon-related TSS may be associated
with tampon absorbency. For this reason, women are advised
to use the tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable
for their needs and to change their tampon as often as
directed on the pack. Women can reduce the minimal risk
of tampon-related TSS by varying tampon use with pads
from time to time during their period. For more information,
you should refer to the leaflet inside every pack of tampons. |
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| Q12. |
Are tampons appropriate
for teenage girls? |
| A12. |
Yes. Though as with all
users of tampons, teenage girls should observe a strict
hygiene routine. Women of menstrual age, especially those
in their teenage years, are the group at highest risk
of developing TSS. They should follow directions supplied
in the tampon manufacturer's leaflet. These include:
· Washing your hands before and after inserting a tampon
· Using the lowest absorbency necessary
· Changing the tampon as directed by the manufacturer's
instructions
· Never insert more than one tampon at a time
· Alternating tampon use with pads
· Remove a tampon at the end of a period. |
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| Q13. |
When do the symptoms of TSS appear? Do they appear straight away
or surface after a couple of days? |
| A13. |
The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome most often begin between the
second and fifth days of the menstrual period, the peak incidence occuring on the fourth day. The
onset is usually abrupt with high fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe muscle pain, and
headache. |
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