Toxic Shock Syndrome
Alternate Names : TSS
What can be done to prevent the disease?
A woman can lower her risk for TSS by taking these steps:
Alternate tampons with pads every other day during the heaviest flow.
Avoid or minimize the use of superabsorbent tampons.
Change tampons at least every 6 to 8 hours.
Use pads while sleeping.
Changes in the design of tampons have occurred because of concern over toxic shock syndrome. Changing tampons frequently should nearly eliminate the risk of tampon-related toxic shock syndrome.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
If severe shock has occurred and led to kidney, liver, lung, or heart damage, long-term consequences may require treatment or cause permanent disability. The three major causes of death related to severe TSS are as follows:
disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, which causes uncontrollable bleeding
irreversible shock
severe lung damage
What are the risks to others?
Toxic shock syndrome is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
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