By Suzan Hutchinson

Amy Elifritz was age 20, menstruating and using tampons, when she came down with what appeared to be the flu.  She died four days later from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).  After Amy’s death, her mother, Lisa, founded You ARE Loved, a nonprofit that raises awareness about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and provides factual menstrual information.

Since launching the You ARE Loved website, we have received and posted several stories of girls and young women who developed tampon related TSS in recent years: Sarah and Brittany, both age 15 – Alex, age 16 – Katelyn, 17 – Amanda, 19 – Lauren, 20 – Nikki, who died of TSS at 21 – Shenikwa, a college student – Heather, a new mom….

In spite of the fact that TSS warnings are on every tampon box and a TSS pamphlet within, teens and young women are developing tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and many are dying from it.

If you use traditional tampons, or know someone who does, please continue reading.  What follows may well save your life, or the life of someone you know and love.

Most women are more familiar with the myths about TSS than the facts.

Myth #1: Tampon related TSS only occurs when tampons are worn well over 8 hours.
Reality: While longer wear time increases risk, TSS can occur even if you change tampons frequently.

Myth #2: Girls and women are only at risk for tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome if they use high absorbency tampons with the super, super plus or ultra rating.
Reality: While higher absorbency increases risk, TSS can occur even if you only use low absorbency tampons with the lite or regular rating.

Myth #3: All tampons (or all tampons of a given absorbency rating) carry equal risk for TSS.
Reality: Dr. Philip Tierno, a professor of Microbiology and Pathology at New York University School of Medicine, has been involved with tampon related TSS research for over 30 years. He finds that viscose rayon is now solely responsible for tampon related TSS. In contrast to the many cases of TSS associated with traditional tampons containing viscose rayon, there has never been a case of TSS associated with the use of a 100% cotton tampon. 100% cotton tampons are now available at many health food stores, some pharmacies and online.

Know the facts.

Toxic Shock Syndrome develops when the common bacteria, Staphylococcus Aureus, produces a toxin which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The toxin rapidly overwhelms the immune system and attacks the major organs, leading to kidney failure, collapse of the lungs and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of TSS

-Sore throat

-Aching muscles

-High temperature; over 102 degrees F

-Vomiting

-Headache

-Watery diarrhea

-Red rash

-Confusion

-Dizziness

-Very low blood pressure

Only one or two symptoms may occur. They do not necessarily occur all at once and may not persist.

What You Should Do?

-Remove the tampon (save it if possible)

-Seek IMMEDIATE medical attention

-Inform the doctor that you have been using tampons

-Take a TSS information leaflet with you

To Reduce the Risk of TSS

-Only use tampons made of organic cotton

-Use the lowest absorbency needed at each stage of your period

-Avoid using tampons continuously during a period. Alternate with sanitary pads at night so the toxins have time to dissipate

-Use a pad at the end of your period

-Change tampons every 4 to 6 hours

-Don’t use tampons if you’ve had any unusual discharge

-Wash your hands before and after use and handle the tampon as little as possible

-Alert your family and friends to the symptoms and emergency action required

-Read and keep this information and/or the leaflet inside each box of tampons

-If you’ve had TSS never use tampons again

Many women mistakenly assume traditional tampons are their best menstrual option. There are MANY safer alternatives – disposable and reusable pads, 100% cotton tampons, disposable and reusable cups, sponges and period panties.

I am a survivor of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and urge you to join me in raising awareness of tampon related TSS by sharing this information with the tweens, teens and young women in your life.

Suzan Hutchinson is a survivor of tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome and serves as the Director of Connectivity for You ARE Loved.

For additional information about TSS, please check out our Toxic Shock Syndrome section.