Did you know what toxic shock syndrome is?

Did you know that Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxin produced by certain types of Staphylococcus bacteria?

Did you know that earliest cases of toxic shock syndrome involved women who were using tampons during their periods (menstruation)?

Did you know that Toxic shock syndrome can also occur with skin infections, burns, and after surgery?

Did you know that toxic shock syndrome is a condition that can also affect children, postmenopausal women, and men?

Did you know that toxic shock syndrome risk factors include?

• Childbirth
• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, commonly called a Staph infection
• Foreign bodies or packings (such as those used to stop nosebleeds)
• Menstruation
• Surgery
• Tampon use (particularly if you leave on in for a long time)
• Use of barrier contraceptives such as a diaphragm or vaginal sponge
• Wound infection after surgery

Did you know these are Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?

• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• General ill-feeling
• Headaches
• High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)
• Redness of eyes, mouth, throat
• Seizures
• Widespread red rash that looks like a sunburn -- skin peeling occurs 1 or 2 weeks after the rash, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet

Did you know that there is no single test that can diagnose toxic shock syndrome?

Did you know that there is several diagnosis criteria to look at such as fever, low blood pressure, a rash that peels after 1-2 weeks, and problems with the function of at least three organs?

• Antibiotics for any infection (may be given through an IV)
• Dialysis (if severe kidney problems are present)
• Fluids through a vein (IV)
• Methods to control blood pressure
• Intravenous gamma globulin may help in severe cases

Did you know that Toxic shock syndrome may be deadly in up to 50% of cases?

Did you know that Toxic Shock Syndrome may return in those that survive?

Did you know that Toxic Shock Syndrome may create Severe organ dysfunction such as Kidney failure, Heart failure, and Liver failure?

Did you know that Toxic shock syndrome is a medical emergency and you need to seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash, fever, and feel ill, particularly during menstruation and tampon use or if you have had recent surgery?

Did you know that Menstrual toxic shock syndrome can be prevented by avoiding the use of highly absorbent tampons?

Did you know that you can reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome by changing tampons more frequently and using tampons only once in a while (not regularly) during menstruation?

Now if you didn't know, now you know...

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