Hi Charlotte,

It is great to be aware of TSS and its symptoms, but we hope it does not place you in a panic.

1st off, it is actually a good thing to change tampons frequently as it helps reduce any potential toxic build up. We recommend alternating between tampons and pads for this reason. We also never recommend sleeping with a tampon in.

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.

We are not doctors and cannot give medical advice, but based off your short time wearing tampons and frequent changing it does reduce your risk. We always suggest that if you feel you have TSS to go to the doctor immediately. That said, you have not mentioned taking your actual temperature or mention of other symptoms related to TSS. It would be good to determine if you are indeed running a fever and identify if you have any other symptoms.

You can find several articles on TSS at http://www.bepreparedperiod.com/blog/period-puberty-info/period-concerns/toxic-shock-syndrome2/ - these also share how to avoid or reduce your chances of TSS. You can also search this forum under the Toxic Shock Syndrome topic to hear additional advice and experiences from others.

Wishing you the best!!