While a fever alone does not guarantee TSS, the circumstances of that fever can help you figure out when TSS is a possibility. If you suddenly get a fever while menstruating and using a tampon or while you have an oozing surgical wound, it’s a telltale sign of TSS.
Another common flu-like symptom of TSS is nausea, accompanied by severe vomiting or watery diarrhea. Just like a fever, the flu doesn’t mean you have TSS—but experiencing flu-like symptoms while menstruating or when you have a surgical wound is a significant indicator. If it is reasonably plausible that you may have TSS, keep a close eye out for other symptoms. Listen closely to your body to ensure you don’t miss any vital signs!
Like a sunburn, the rash won’t be raised or bumpy on your skin. It’ll be flat and red, covering areas of your body in large splotches.
The redness results from increased blood flow to the mouth, eyes, and vagina in people with TSS.
An infected wound may also produce foul-smelling discharge—typically white, though it can vary in color. If you see this, your injury needs immediate medical attention.
If someone else is with you (or you’re with someone who may have TSS), it’s also possible to note agitation or unusual changes in behavior when a person has hypotension.
Staph bacteria usually live on your skin harmlessly, but it can cause an infection when it gets into your body.
Inserted contraceptives like diaphragms and sponges left in your body for too long can also increase your risk for TSS. Occasionally, childbirth can also lead to TSS. The third type of bacteria that causes TSS is called Clostridium sordellii, which usually lives harmlessly in the vagina but can get into the uterus during childbirth.
TSS cannot be spread from person to person. The bacteria that causes TSS can be spread through direct contact (although even coming into contact with the bacteria does not guarantee TSS).
Symptoms can set in as early as 12 hours after getting TSS. Unless otherwise instructed while contacting medical assistance, immediately remove the tampon you are using (if relevant in your situation).
Depending on your case and the severity of the TSS, other symptom-based treatments will also be given.
When organs fail, gangrene can set in, which is what causes tissue to die and limbs (like fingers, toes, hands, and feet) to be surgically removed.
Care for minor wounds easily at home by removing any small foreign objects, rinsing the wound with water, and applying antibiotic ointment before bandaging it.
Always insert a fresh tampon before going to bed, rather than leaving a used tampon inside you overnight—and remove it when you wake up. Use tampons with the lowest absorbency possible. It’s okay if you have a heavy flow and need extra-absorbent tampons, but don’t use them if you have a light flow. In addition, keep a sponge or diaphragm contraceptive inserted for only as long as necessary, and never for more than twenty-four hours.
