TSS is known to be a toxaemia produced by a bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. An infection can occur in the vagina, but it can also appear in surgical wounds or burns. Although tampons have been linked to TSS, the condition is caused by how the body reacts to the bacteria.

Tampon absorbency and TSS

Although TSS can occur with tampons of any absorbency, the risk increases with tampons of higher absorbency. You should use the lowest absorbency tampons for your comfort and level of blood flow.

If you use tampons, best take the following precautions:

• Take special care of personal cleanliness during your period 
• Continue your daily bath or shower routine
• Wash your hands before, as well as after, inserting a tampon
• Unwrap a fresh clean tampon just before insertion – do not handle it more than is necessary
• Throw away any tampon you have unwrapped and not used immediately
• Change your tampon at least four times a day. Do not leave your tampon in for more than eight hours.

What are the warning signs of TSS?

Very early signs of TSS may include feeling ill, headache and painful muscles. These may be followed by:

• Sudden high fever (usually 38.9ºC or higher)
• Vomiting, diarrhoea or both
• Dizziness or fainting, leading to shock
• Sunburn-like rash which progresses to peeling of the skin.

If you develop fever, headache, dizziness, aching muscles and any of the other signs mentioned here during, or soon after your period, remove your tampon.  You should see your doctor as soon as possible - you may not be suffering from TSS but you should double-check.

Can TSS come back?

If you have had TSS, it can return, so you should see your doctor before using tampons again. Please also read the instructions about tampon use carefully.