It was Monday morning, and Adwoa, a 15-year-old secondary school student, had just started her monthly period. Before leaving for school around 6 a.m., she inserted a tampon. She had a slight cold and sneezed several times as she hurried to get ready. To avoid the embarrassment of staining her uniform, she chose a highly absorbent tampon.

After school, Adwoa went to the mall with her friends and didn't get home until about 6 p.m. Completely exhausted, she took off her uniform and fell asleep, forgetting that she still had the tampon in.

The next morning, she woke up feeling much worse. She had a high fever, her cold seemed to have intensified and she felt generally unwell. Realizing she had forgotten to remove the tampon, she quickly took it out and headed to school anyway.

Before long, her condition deteriorated and she was rushed to the emergency room.

After several tests, the doctors diagnosed her with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and immediately began treatment.

Although Adwoa's story is fictional, the condition is very real.

What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and, less frequently, Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). These toxins trigger an overwhelming immune response that can rapidly affect multiple organs.

While TSS is often associated with tampon use during menstruation, research shows that about half of all cases are not menstrual-related. Men, women and children can all develop Toxic Shock Syndrome.

What Causes TSS?

Contrary to popular belief, tampons themselves do not cause Toxic Shock Syndrome. Instead, TSS occurs when toxin-producing bacteria enter the body, multiply, and release harmful toxins into the bloodstream.

Certain situations increase the risk of this happening, including:

- Prolonged use of highly absorbent tampons, especially when left in for longer than recommended.

- Surgical wounds or infections after an operation.

- Burns, cuts or other open wounds that become infected.

- Skin infections or recent illnesses such as chickenpox or varicella.

- Having had Toxic Shock Syndrome in the past, which increases the risk of recurrence.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

TSS develops suddenly and can worsen within hours. Common symptoms include:

- A sudden high fever.

- Nausea and vomiting.

- Dizziness or fainting due to low blood pressure.

- Muscle aches.

- A widespread rash that resembles sunburn.

- Confusion or difficulty concentrating.

If left untreated, the condition can progress to sepsis, multiple organ failure and shock. In severe cases, damage to the fingers, toes, hands or legs from poor blood circulation may become so extensive that amputation is necessary.

Can It Be Treated?

Yes it can. Despite being a medical emergency, Toxic Shock Syndrome can be successfully treated, especially when recognised early. Treatment often involves hospital admission, intravenous antibiotics, fluids, medications to support blood pressure and removal of the source of infection, such as a tampon or infected wound.

If you or someone you know develops a sudden high fever together with the symptoms above; particularly during menstruation or after surgery, seek medical attention immediately. Do not assume it is "just a cold".

How Can You Prevent TSS?

Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce your risk:

- Clean and properly care for cuts, burns and other wounds to prevent infection.

- If you use tampons, choose the lowest absorbency needed for your menstrual flow.

- Change tampons every 4-8 hours and never leave one in overnight for prolonged periods.

- Alternate tampons with sanitary pads, especially on lighter-flow days or while sleeping.

- If you have previously had Toxic Shock Syndrome, avoid using tampons unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.

Toxic Shock Syndrome affects only about 1 in 100,000 people each year, making it uncommon. However, its rarity should not make us complacent. Because it progresses so quickly, recognising the warning signs and seeking prompt medical care can make the difference between life and death.

As always, prevention is far better than cure, especially when the treatment may still leave behind physical and emotional scars that are not forgotten in a hurry.

©2026 Aisha Egena-Aruwa | talkafricang.com