Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Symptoms of TSS
• Method 2 of 3: Diagnosis and Treatment of TSS
• Method 3 of 3: How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing TSS
• Tips

Infectious toxic shock (ITS) was first recorded in the 1970s, but only received widespread publicity in the 1980s. This disease primarily affects women who use tampons with increased absorbent properties, but anyone (including men and children) can develop this condition. Vaginal contraceptives, cuts and scrapes, nosebleeds, and even chickenpox can cause streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria to enter the bloodstream. TSS is difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses (such as the flu). Prompt diagnosis and prompt treatment will be decisive factors in whether a patient recovers or has a serious complication (and in rare cases, death). Analyze risk factors and symptoms and determine if you suffer from TSS and need medical attention.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Symptoms of TSS

1. 1 Beware of flu symptoms. Most cases of toxic shock are accompanied by symptoms that can be easily confused with those of the flu or other illnesses. Listen carefully to your body so as not to lose sight of these important signs of TSS.
   • TSS can cause fever (typically above 39 ° C), severe muscle aches and pains, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, and other flu symptoms. Assess your risks of developing TSS (for example, if fluid is leaking from a wound after surgery or if you use tampons during your period) and contrast them with the likelihood that you have the flu. If you think you have TSS, monitor your remaining symptoms closely.
2. 2 Beware of visible signs of TSS, such as rashes on arms, legs, and other areas of the body. A sunburn-like rash on the palms and / or soles of the foot is a sure sign of TSS. However, not all cases of TSS are associated with a rash, and the rash can appear anywhere on the body.
   • People with TSS also have severe redness around the eyes, mouth, throat, and vagina. If you have an open wound, watch out for symptoms of infection, which include redness, swelling, pain to touch, or discharge from the wound.
3. 3 Identify other serious symptoms. Symptoms of ITS usually appear 2–3 days after infection and start small. Then they, and with them the disease itself, progresses rapidly, so if you have the idea that you may have ITS, be extremely careful.
   • Watch out for a sharp drop in blood pressure, which is usually accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness; confusion, disorientation or seizures, and signs of kidney failure and other organ failure (for example, severe pain or signs of malfunctioning of one of the organs).

Method 2 of 3: Diagnosis and Treatment of TSS

1. 1 Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have TSS. Infectious Disease Syndrome usually responds well to treatment if diagnosed early. Otherwise, ITS can progress rapidly and lead to long-term hospital treatment, as well as (in rare cases) to irreversible organ failure, amputation, and even death.
   • Play it safe. If you develop symptoms of TSS or have a combination of possible symptoms and risk factors (for example, nosebleeds or long-term use of female contraceptives), seek immediate medical attention.
   • Remove the tampon immediately (if appropriate) unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
2. 2 Get ready for a solid but usually successful course of treatment. Although treatment for TSS is almost always successful (early), it usually involves hospitalization for several days (sometimes in an intensive care unit). In most cases, initial treatment includes one or more antibiotics.
   • The course of symptom management will be tailored specifically to your case. This can be an oxygen mask, intravenous fluids, pain relievers and other medications, and sometimes even kidney dialysis.
3. 3 Take special precautions to avoid contracting TSS again. Unfortunately, after the first infection with TSS, the likelihood of re-infection in the future in a patient increases by 30 percent. Therefore, in order to avoid re-infection, which can be much stronger, you need to make changes in your lifestyle and closely monitor the manifestation of symptoms.
   • For example, if you have ever suffered from TSS, stop using tampons (switch to pads). You should also switch to alternative methods of contraception and give up the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm.

Method 3 of 3: How to Reduce Your Risk of Developing TSS

1. 1 Use tampons with care. When toxic shock was first identified, it almost always occurred exclusively in women who use tampons during their periods. The increased awareness and changes that have been made to the production of tampons have significantly reduced the total number of cases of TSS due to the use of tampons, but they are still responsible for the development of this condition in half of the cases.
   • TSS is usually caused by the bacteria staphylococcus and streptococcus, which release toxins into the bloodstream and (in a small number of patients) is the main cause of decreased immunity with serious side effects. However, it is still not fully understood why long-term use of tampons with increased absorbent properties is the main risk factor for the development of TSS. Some believe that long-term use of the tampons creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow, while others believe that the tampons dry out over time and cause minor cuts and scratches when removed.
   • Regardless of the reason, the best protection against TSS for women is using pads instead of tampons during menstruation. Use only low absorbency tampons if necessary and change them regularly (every four to eight hours). Store your tampons in a cool, dry place that does not encourage bacterial growth (so not in the bathroom), and remember to wash your hands before and after touching the tampon.
2. 2 Follow the guidelines for using any type of female contraception. Although they result in much fewer cases of TSS than tampons, use vaginal contraceptives such as contraceptive sponges and diaphragms with caution. As with tampons, it seems that long-term availability of contraception is a key factor in the development of TSS.
   • In other words, insert the contraceptive sponges and diaphragms only for the required period of time, but no longer than 24 hours. Also store them in a place that is not too warm and humid (ideal environment for bacteria to grow) and remember to wash your hands before and after touching them.
3. 3 Beware of other possible causes of TSS that can affect everyone. The vast majority of all cases of TSS occur in women and especially young girls, but the condition can affect both women and men, young and old. If the bacterium staphylococcus or streptococcus enters the body and releases the toxin, and the reaction of the human immune system becomes its "overload", then anyone can develop a serious case of infectious toxic shock.
   • TSS can also develop when bacteria enter an open wound after childbirth, during chickenpox, or if you hold cotton in your nose for a long time during bleeding.
   • So wash the wound, apply a bandage, and remember to change it regularly. Change your nose cotton regularly or find other ways to reduce or stop bleeding. Strictly follow the rules of hygiene and monitor your health.
   • ITS more often affects young people, as in theory older people have better immunity. If you are a teenager or a young girl, you should be especially wary of ITS.

Tips

• In 1980, there were 814 cases of ITS in the United States and only three cases in 1998. And while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer tracking them, it looks like the number of cases caused by tampons has increased. Most likely, the reason is negligence. Don't underestimate ITS. It is rare and usually treats well, but it can also be fatal.