Toxic Shock Syndrome Incidence Rising

If you're old enough, you can remember when in the early 1980's TSS seemed to be in the news everyday. In the early '80s, the yearly incidence of TSS was 10 in 100,000 and suddenly declined in 1984 when the highest absorbency tampons were taken off the market. Today, after declining to 1 in 100,000 the incidence rate for TSS is growing again according to a recent study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers. The latest indicence rates show that TSS is now affecting 5 of 100,000 people and is growing steadily.

TSS is a potentially fatal condition that is often caused by tampon use. While most of us associate TSS with tampon use, this dangerous condition is also associated with skin injury, inlcuding surgical wounds; use of contraceptive sponges; recent respiratory infections such as sinusitis, sore throats, tonsillitis, or pnuemonia according to HealthNewsDigest who reported the increased rates.

Children of both sexes and men of all ages also are at risk of developing TSS. In children, chicken pox is the most serious risk factor for contracting TSS. This can occur just by scratching the pox which can lead to a group A streptoccal skin infection, leaving the child at a much higher risk of developing toxic shock syndrome.

More: How Often Should I Change Menstrual Pads or Tampons?
How to Prevent Tampon Associated TSS