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How do I know if I have the flu or Toxic Shock Syndrome? I have heard TSS can look like the flu at first (or some other simple illness such as stomach virus, strep throat, bad cold), and then rears it’s ugly head when it’s almost too late. I’ve also heard that many of the symptoms (which I would need to know, because I use tampons regularly when I’m on my period) are similar to that of the flu and other simple illnesses. I know the symptoms of TSS (sudden fever, throwing up, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches, sore throat, etc.), and to remove my tampon and go to the doctor right away (or some place else where I can get checked out if I’m away from home or if my doc is not available). I’ve never had TSS, but I have always been a little bit scared of getting it. I do use tampons regularly when I’m on my period, but I do take the suggested precautions (such as changing my tampon every 4-5 hours, using pads at night when I’m sleeping, only using the absorbency I really need). And I have recently started using organic tampons instead of the conventional brands (Tampax, Playtex). I would want to know if I had TSS, but I also wouldn’t want to go to the doc and hear him say, “Leanne, you’re fine, you just have the flu.” So how do I know how to tell TSS apart from the flu?
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Thank you, Suzan! I already did know that I should go to the doctor if I get any of the symptoms while wearing a tampon (or have recently been wearing a tampon. I'm also aware that there can be a number of reasons why there has never been a case if Toxic Shock Syndrome that was linked to organic tampons, and that it may be because not very many women use organic tampons. But thanks anyways! Marked as spam
 Posted by Leanne Strong (Questions: 10, Answers: 13) |
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Hi Leanne, You've raised good questions - important questions about TSS. TSS can and often does begin with flu-like symptoms. If you've ever had the flu you know that it comes on rather quickly, often presenting with headache, fatigue, fever, stuffy head, sneezing, sore throat, muscle aches, back ache, stomach upsets, etc. TSS is short for Toxic Shock Syndrome. Toxic means poison. Shock means the body literally goes into shock where organs begin to shut down because they are being poisoned. Syndrome means it's a set of symptoms that present as a group. TSS symptoms often (but not always) include fever (over 102F), severe headache, dizziness (due to low blood pressure/lack of oxygen), extreme fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, red/sore throat, red flushing/rash (this does not happen until TSS has progressed). *NOTE: Flu symptoms often include upper respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, stuffiness, sinus drainage, etc). TSS rarely does. More about TSS symptoms can be found here: http://you-are-loved.org/92/tss-informational-brochure/ TSS symptoms are often determined by the degree of toxicity and of shock that the body and her organs are suffering. Kidneys, heart, lungs, liver...all begin to shut down and death follows. To learn more about TSS and to read the real stories of those who survived TSS (and those who did not), please visit www.you-are-loved.org. While you are wise to change from traditional tampons to organic tampons (make sure they are 100% cotton), it's important to know that the toxin that causes TSS can begin to accumulate in your body in as short a time as 2 hours of continuous tampon use. The recommended wear time of 4 / 6 / 8 hours is too long. It's also important to know that it's possible to develop TSS even when your period is over and you are no longer wearing a tampon. Tampon fibers can remain within you and TSS develop as a result. Wearing tampons with sufficient absorption for 2 hours is recommended. And, alternating between internal and external product is wise. This allows time for any toxins to disipate that may have formed in your body before you insert the next tampon. Bottom line is this - if you are menstruating and wearing a tampon, or have menstruated within the past week to 10 days and used tampons (even one) and develop flu like symptoms that don't respond quickly to over the counter medication and that worsen in degree and in the number of symptoms, seek medical help. It's better to be safe than sorry. Marked as spam
 Posted by Suzan Hutchinson (Questions: 0, Answers: 4) |
