Toxic Shock Syndrome

Definition:
An acute disease most common in menstruating women using high-absorbency tampons. It has also struck newborn infants, children and men, although much less frequently. Victims go into shock.

Cause:
A bacteria called staphylococcus that breeds easily on synthetic fibres such as rayon and viscose, found in all commercial tampons.

Symptoms:
Sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, sunburn-like rash.

Precautions:
Change tampons frequently or alternate with pads, use the minimum absorbency needed and wash your hands after changing a tampon.

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