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NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
Before the first menstrual cycle women should be warned about toxic shock syndrome, a rare illness that happens suddenly after an infection. The illness most commonly occurs with the use of tampons-especially superabsorbant tampons – which was the case for a model in 2012, resulting in the loss of her legs.
To help us better understand what toxic shock syndrome is, Charla Simon, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology at NorthShore, explains that it is an infection caused by a staph or less commonly strep bacteria. The illness can happen with tampon use, after surgery, or with open skin wounds (like chicken pox). Dr. Simon shares the signs of toxic shock syndrome, what you can do and how to prevent it:
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
If you think you have signs go to a hospital where a medical professional will run these tests:
How is it treated?
Recovery can take anywhere between one to two weeks, or more depending on the severity of the infection.
How can I prevent toxic shock syndrome?