Thank You!

Thank you for taking the time to truly understand the underlying causes and effects of toxic shock syndrome. I hope the information on this blog is passed on to all of your friends and family with the hopes of saving a life by understanding this disease.

Here is a video with a little bit more and information. Remember, it can happen to ANYONE! Spread the word and help others get informed!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EX5lG77aE4

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The Feminine Side of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Since TSS is most commonly associated with the use of tampons, most women have a fear of getting TSS. Four in 100,000 women who use tampons get TSS. It is not a coincidence that the statistics of TSS went up when Proctor & Gamble came out with the first Rely super absorbent tampons in 1978. The increased use of super absorbent tampons lead to shocking TSS statistics. Once it had been realized that due to the Rely tampon use, that TSS stats went up, Rely was recalled off the shelves. The use of these tampons truly affected the Toxic Shock Syndrome.

TSS Around the World

40 Cases of TSS reported every year in UK- Population of 60 million. 

How to take Preventative Measures to Avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome!

Tampon use:

• Use regular instead of super absorbent 
• Minimize use of tampons 

Open wounds:

• Cover open wounds
• Keep areas clean
• Keep surgical areas disinfected 

The Good News & Statistics

While you may be worried about Toxic Shock Syndrome, here are some great statistics to give you a little bit of a peace of mind!

• 1980: 890 cases reported
• 35 deaths
• 1989: 61 cases reported
• 0 deaths

As shown above, the decline in TSS is a very drastic one which is a great thing. The number of cases reported and the number of deaths associated with TSS has declined greatly due to the knowledge of what the causes are and ways to avoid it. Most cases were associated with female tampon use, but as research shows, new and improved tampons were created and the knowledge of TSS spread around the country which assisted in prevention. 

Please remember! The numbers may have declined drastically, but this does not mean it cannot happen to you! It IS still possible to happen to anyone, especially females that use tampons. Use the preventative care methods in this blog to avoid TSS! 

What you should know

As many medical issues have at home care opportunities, TSS does not. If TSS is suspected or known for sure that is present, medical emergency care MUST be taken! There are preventative measures in order to avoid TSS but once it occurs, the only thing that can be done is helped by a medical professional. 

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/05/us/health-toxic-shock-toll-plummets.html

Understand Toxic Shock Syndrome! 

If you know it, you'll understand the causes, with the intention of avoiding it, in order to know how to suspect it!

Know it!
An illness caused by bacteria.

Causes!
Strain of staph.

Avoid it! 
If wearing tampons, alternate. Keep any open wounds clean. Avoid exposure of any open areas.

Suspect it?
Seek medical assistance immediately.

The main reason of TSS is due to the lack of a new tampon, or the insertion of one for too long to the point that it produces bacteria that is life threatening. If you are a female, simple change it up and pass this message along to mothers, daughters, and friends!

Remember that this is not the only cause of TSS, any open wounds are susceptible to it as well. Keep the area clean and unexposed!

     Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very rare, but life threatening disease. It is commonly associated with the use of tampons, but it is not the only way it arises. This disease derives from toxins, which are produced by staph bacteria, but can also be caused by group A strep bacteria. TSS can come from skin wounds, and even surgery. TSS requires immediate attention by hospitalization.

     Symptoms include confusion, diarrhea, high fever, muscle aches, organ failure and burns. The most common and severe are kidney failure, heart failure, liver, shock, and death. Treatment, which won’t always resolve the issue, include dialysis, antibiotics, fluids (IV), meds to control blood pressure, and presence in the ICU for continuous monitoring.

     In a simple way, bacteria enter the body through an opening in the skin, which could be in various ways. Many cases are associated with tampon use, but is much less common in the more recent years. Other cases include recent childbirth, use of diaphragms, and open skin wounds. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUd60p02img
Video of doctor explaining more about TSS

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000653.htm
More information on TSS

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175736.php
Interesting article on TSS