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What Are the Treatments?

Toxic shock syndrome requires immediate emergency care in a hospital setting. If you suspect you are suffering an attack, get medical help as soon as possible. If your doctor is not available, call 911 or get to a hospital emergency room right away; have someone take you because you may quickly become too shaky to drive yourself.

Treatment for this life-threatening condition must be aggressive. Your doctor or emergency-care specialist will start by giving you antibiotics specific to a staph infection, to kill the bacteria and limit further release of toxins. Other urgent steps — necessary to control your body's response to the toxins and to support vital functions — include blood transfusion and intravenous administration of fluids and electrolytes to stabilize your blood pressure. Some cases call for a ventilator, which will temporarily breathe for you. Caregivers will monitor your vital signs constantly during the acute phase of this disease.

How Can I Prevent It?

Using tampons increases your risk of developing this illness, but your risk is much lower if you use regular tampons than if you use superabsorbent ones. The most conservative preventive approach would involve switching to sanitary napkins. You may also decrease risk somewhat by taking the following steps:

• Minimize your use of tampons. You might alternate tampons with sanitary napkins during the day, and use napkins at night.
• Use the least-absorbent tampon that will control your menstrual flow; change tampons at least every eight hours. Be sure to remove the last tampon when your period is over.
• If you use a menstrual sponge, diaphragm, or cervical cap, remember to remove it when it is not needed. Under no circumstances should you leave any such device in for more than 24 hours. Wash your diaphragm or cervical cap in warm, soapy water after each use.