Toxic shock is a life threatening illness that affects your whole body. This disease is caused by a bacteria called staphylococci. Many people carry this bacteria in their throat or on their skin. This bacteria can become serious if there are even any small breaks in the skin where it can enter and give off its poisons.

TSS mostly effects women during or after their periods. Women who use super tampons for longer than six hours before changing are at highest risk. Diaphragm and contraceptive sponge users are also at risk. Men and women of any age with infected wounds, cuts or bites can also get TSS.

A person becomes ill quickly , and has most of the following symptoms:
* high fever,
* red rash with peeling,
* low blood pressure or dizziness,
* sore throat,
* total body aches and pains,
* nausea, and
* diarrhea.

If not treated, kidney, liver, heart and nerve damage will cause death.

If you have these problems you should seek immediate medical care. Treatment must begin as soon as possible. Remove any tampon or sponge. TSS is treated with antibiotics, fluids, and cleaning of any skin breaks. Close watching may be needed to help prevent damage. Most people do well without long term effects.

To prevent TSS, change your tampons often or even use pads at night. Avoid the use of highly absorbent tampons. Any concern about a lost tampon should be evaluated. Women using birth control pills and condoms with spermicide called nonoxynol-9 are at less risk for TSS.

Women who have had TSS with their period are at risk for getting TSS again with their next period. These women should not use tampons.

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