The Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service (TSSIS) was set up in 1993 to provide members of the public, the medical profession, the media and other interested parties factual, balanced information on Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The TSSIS is advised by a panel of five medical experts who cover a broad spectrum of disciplines within the health services.

TSS is an extremely rare but potentially serious illness that can affect anyone - men women and children. From a UK population of around 58 million there are about 18 'confirmed' or 'probable' cases reported each year, half of which are associated with women using tampons. The remaining cases reported are the result of localised infections following burns, boils, insect bites and surgery etc.

The link between TSS and tampon use is unclear. Research suggests that for cases which occur in women using tampons, absorbency could be a factor. For this reason it is important that women always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable for period flow and use a sanitary towel or panty liner from time to time during a period.

TSS is caused by the common bacterium - staphylococcus aureus - which normally lives harmlessly on the skin in the nose, armpit, groin or vagina. Between 15-30% of people carry the organism at any one time. About 20% of the bacteria are capable of producing the toxin TSST-1 that causes the illness, although the mechanism(s) that causes the production of the toxin is uncertain.

It is thought that some people who develop TSS do not have the necessary antibodies to protect them from the toxin. Most healthy individuals develop a protective level of antibodies as they reach puberty, but a protective level of the TSST-1 antibody does not guarantee a person could not be affected because on occasions a streptococcal toxin is responsible for causing this illness. Unlike many other illnesses, a person who has contracted menstrual TSS will not automatically develop an immunity to it thereafter, and for this reason women who have previously suffered with TSS should avoid using tampons in the future.

The initial symptoms are like a very severe flu. Key warning signs include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, sunburn like rash, muscle aches, confusion, dizziness and fainting or feeling faint. If a tampon is in use it should be removed and the doctor should be informed that this is the case. With early diagnosis, TSS can be successfully treated with appropriate antibiotics and supportive medication as necessary.

TSS can be fatal and one to two people die annually as a result of this illness. As few doctors will ever see a case, raising awareness about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in an educational manner without raising unnecessary anxiety is an important step in ensuring prompt medical attention is sought and given wherever TSS is suspected.

TSSIS operates an educational programme and has a range of literature, videos and an extensive website, via which requests for information etc can be sent. To date, around two million consumers leaflets have been distributed as part of its educational programme.

For further information, literature and individual enquiries please visit the website at http://www.tssis.com

Dr David Abramovich PhD FRCOG
Consultant Gynaecologist

 

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