Younger females, such as those under 30, may be at a higher risk for TSS because they have not yet formed antibodies to the staph toxin. Therefore, it’s important for you and your daughter to be vigilant for TSS. However, it’s also important to know that there now are actually very few TSS cases reported each year.
Toxic Shock Syndrome became a hot topic in 1980 when 813 cases of menstrual-related cases of TSS—and 38 deaths—were reported. Research ended up showing that use of a specific type of tampon that is no longer on the market put women at a higher risk of TSS than use of other tampons. This tampon was made with a new combination of materials including polyester foam and a highly absorbent cellulose that enhanced absorption. Although not all TSS cases occurred in women who used this specific type of tampon, it clearly played an important role. Therefore, it was removed from the market, along with other new, highly absorbent tampons of similar substances.
Because of the discontinued use of these types of tampons, as well as the Food and Drug Administration’s regulation of tampon materials and absorbency, there has been a dramatic drop in the number of TSS cases. In 1997, only six cases were confirmed, and in 1998, only three cases. Nevertheless, the FDA recommends that women take the following steps to avoid tampon problems:
• Follow the package directions for insertion;
• Choose the lowest absorbency that will handle your menstrual flow;
• Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours;
• Consider alternating pads with tampons;
• Don’t use tampons between periods; and
• Know the warning signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
