These studies also show that the TSST-1 toxin is not produced on the cotton used to produce terra femme tampons.
TSS Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome:
· Sudden onset of a fever of 102 degrees or higher
· Diarrhea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Muscular pain or weakness
· Fainting
· Suddenly feeling unwell (flu-like symptoms)
· Disorientation
· Skin rash resembling a sunburn particularly on the palms and the soles of the feet
· Peeling skin
· Headache
· Sore throat
· Bloodshot eyes
· Rapid fall of blood pressure
If you experience high fever, vomiting and diarrhea together or suspect toxic shock while wearing a tampon, immediately remove the tampon and consult a physician. Tell the physician your symptoms, how long you have had them, and when your period started. Keep the tampon in case your doctor wants to test it.
Tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome is fatal in about 6 percent of cases. Women who do not die may suffer a range of serious and painful injuries, including severe organ damage, loss of hair, limbs and fingertips, reduced lung capacity and various other conditions.
Reduce the risk of TSS with these preventive measures:
· USE ONLY ALL COTTON TAMPONS!
· Refrain from using tampons overnight or between menstrual periods.
· Use the lowest absorbency tampon necessary to absorb your menstrual flow.
· Change tampons at least every 3 to 6 hours.
· Wash your hands and fingernails well before and after inserting a tampon.
· Alternate the use of tampons with menstrual pads.
· Don’t use tampons between menstrual periods.
Bibliography
1. A Medical Time Bomb, Robb Cribb, Hamilton Spectator, September 10, 1994, p. A6.
2. Emerging Patterns of Tampon Use in the Adolescent Female: The Impact of Toxic Shock Syndrome, Charles E. Irwin, Jr., MD and Susan G. Millstein, MS, American Journal of Public Health, May 1982, Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 464-467.
3. Analysis of New Generation Tampons for Propensity to Amplify Staphyloccocus aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 (TSST 1), Philip M. Tierno, Jr., Bruce A. Hanna, Departments of Microbiology and Pathology, NYU School of Medicine. Presented at the 94th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, May 24, 1994.
4. “Truth about tampons needs to be told: These convenient little fluff balls are not as benign as everyone believes.”, Ann Montgomery, Ottawa Citizen, Sept. 1, 1992.
5. The Price of A Life, Tom Riley, Adler & Adler Publishers, Bethesda Maryland, 1986.