TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

   Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but fatal medical condition usually caused by a bacteria infection. It is sometimes referred to as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome or Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome.
   This condition is as a result of toxins produced by either Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) and Streptococcus Pyogenes (Strep). These bacteria normally live harmlessly on the skin, nose or mouth but can invade the body's bloodstream and release poisonous toxins.
   Although, Toxic Shock Syndrome has been originally linked with the use of super absorbant tampons in menstruating women, the condition can affect men, children and people of all ages. Birth control methods such as vaginal sponge and diaphragm has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
   Most Strep-related Toxic Shock Syndrome infections usually occurs when bacteria enters the body through an opening in the skin, such as cuts and scrapes,infected boil, sore surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters. While Staph-related case are through any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, an abscess, the blood infection (Septicemia), or bone infection (Oteomyelitis).
   Risk factors for this condition may include:
Recent childbirth
Recent skin infection, skin burn or surgery
Use of a diaphragm or vaginal sponge to prevent pregnancy
Open skin wound.
Women who uses tampons
This factors allows the bacteria to enter the body and release toxins.      

           Symptoms
   Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome can vary from person to person, and the symptoms usually starts suddenly. Common signs of this condition include:
Sudden high fever
A faint feeling
Low blood pressure
Headache
A rapid drop in blood pressure (with lightheadedness or fainting),
Muscle aches
Confusion
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
A sunburn-like rash may appear anywhere on the body
redness of eyes, mouth, and throat
Seizures
The area around an infected wound can become swollen, red, and tender, but might not even appear infected.
Decreased urination
Fatigue and weakness
   If Toxic Shock Syndrome is untreated, it can result in liver and kidneys failure and problems such as bleeding and heart failure can develop.

         Prevention  
   Certain precautions can reduce your risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome. These precautions includes:
1. Frequent washing of hands to remove any bacteria, because the bacteria that causes Toxic Shock Syndrome can be carried on unwashed hands.
2. Girls can reduce their risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome by the way they use tampons such as;
Wearing low-absorbency tampon or alternating them with  sanitary napkin during menstruation. 
Changing their tampon every four to eight hours.
Store tampons away from heat and moisture. For example, in a bedroom    rather than in a bathroom closet.
On low flow days, girls should use pads instead of tampons.
Washing of hands thoroughly before and after inserting a tampon,Because staphylococcus bacteria are often carried on hands
Do not wear tampons if you have a personal history of Toxic Shock Syndrome, because the disease can recur.
3. Clean and bandage skin wounds as quickly as possible and change dressing often.
   Toxic Shock Syndrome is a medical emergency it can be fatal if letf untreated, so it is very important to contact a doctor immediately if you notice the signs on yourself, your child or any other person.
   People with Toxic Shock Syndrome need to be hospitalized, and they need to stay in the  hospital for several days so that medical staff can closely monitor them.  Although Toxic Shock Syndrome can be fatal, if recognized and treated promptly it is usually curable.