TSS isn't strictly related to tampons. The contraceptive sponge and the diaphragm, two types of birth control methods, have been linked to TSS. And, very rarely, the infection has occurred as a result of wounds or surgery, where the skin has been broken, allowing bacteria to enter.
Toxic shock syndrome can happen to anyone - men, women, and children. Although it can be serious, it's a very rare illness.
TSS is a systemic illness, which means that it affects the whole body. It can be caused by one of two different types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes - although toxic shock that is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria is rarer. These bacteria can produce toxins - proteins that act as poisons. In some people whose bodies can't fight these toxins, the immune system reacts. This reaction causes the symptoms associated with TSS.
When people think of TSS, they often think of tampon use because the earliest cases of the illness, back in the late 1970s, were related to superabsorbent tampons. Research led to better tampons and better habits for using them - such as changing tampons more often. The number of TSS cases dropped dramatically. Today about half of all TSS cases are linked to menstruation.
Aside from tampon use, TSS has been linked to skin infections that are typically minor and are often associated with the rash of chicken pox. TSS has also been reported following surgical procedures, abortions, giving birth, and prolonged use of nasal packing for nosebleeds - although all of these are rare.
2006-07-31 17:52:39
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answer #1
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answered by rita_alabama 6
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Yes men can
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that has been most often associated with the use of superabsorbent tampons and occasionally with the use of contraceptive sponges.
In 1980, an outbreak of toxic shock syndrome occurred that mostly involved young women who had been using a particular brand of superabsorbent tampons. The cause of the outbreak seemed to be toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.
While the infection often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect men, children and postmenopausal women. Other risk factors for toxic shock syndrome include skin wounds and surgery.
Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal. You can reduce your chances of getting toxic shock syndrome by changing your tampon frequently
Anyone can get Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is caused by a common bacteria that resides on almost every person's skin, cracks and crevices. Occasionally someone picks up a particularly virulent strain of the bacteria, which can lead to TSS.
2006-07-31 17:53:06
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answer #2
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answered by twofingers_69 3
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toxic shock syndrome
oh yes they could
usually it's a staphylococcus infection.. from forgotten tampons etc. unwashed hands and prompt an infection anywhere on the body. If a girl uses only tampons, it's important to choose tampons with the lowest absorbency that will handle her menstrual flow and to change the tampons frequently. Between menstrual periods, it's a good idea to store tampons away from heat and moisture (where bacteria can grow)
Signs of shock: cold hands and feet; a pulse that is fast and weak; confusion or other mental changes; pale, moist skin; shortness of breath; abnormally fast breathing; or a strong feeling of anxiety or fear.
Signs of TSS: fever; rash (especially a rash that looks like sunburn); nausea and vomiting; watery diarrhea; confusion or other mental changes; and decreased urination. unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it smells strange or bad.
2006-07-31 18:48:12
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answer #3
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answered by rmparras 3
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Yes they can. Toxic shock is an infection and anyone can get it.
2006-07-31 17:51:20
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answer #4
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answered by zbelle 6
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Yeah, although I dont think they can get it from using tampons but thats a different story.
2006-07-31 21:55:37
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answer #5
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answered by geniusflightnurse 4
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yes, because it's caused by a bacteria anybody can get it, but it's much more common in women
2006-07-31 18:19:17
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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yes
2006-07-31 18:13:03
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answer #7
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answered by zmonte 3
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Yes, they can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxic_shock_syndrome#Routes_of_infection
2006-07-31 17:51:28
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answer #8
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answered by Not Allie 6
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yes its possible
2006-07-31 22:51:39
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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YES
2006-07-31 18:07:44
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answer #10
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answered by russellmcmillen1947 4
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