You may have heard about the illness toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from magazines or from friends, but do you know why it is important to be aware of this illness? Would you recognize the symptoms? TSS is an extremely rare but potentially serious illness that can affect anyone.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection.
Anyone can get TSS men, women and children. Half the reported cases of TSS are associated with women using tampons; half result from localized infections, for example following burns, boils, insect bites or surgery. The risk of TSS is greater in younger people. This is because older people are more likely to have the necessary antibodies to protect them from the toxin that causes TSS.
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a type of blood poisoning that will make you feel severely ill very quickly. TSS is a rare but potentially...