Preventing toxic shock syndrome

The following measures can help reduce your risk of TSS: treat wounds and burns quickly and get medical advice if you develop signs of an infection, such as swelling, redness and increasing pain always use a tampon with the lowest absorbency suitable for your menstrual flow alternate tampons with a sanitary towel or panty liners during your period wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon change tampons regularly as often as directed on the pack (usually at least every four to eight hours) never insert more than one tampon at a time when using a tampon at night, insert a fresh tampon before going to bed and remove it on waking remove a tampon at the end ofyour period whenusingfemale barrier contraception, follow the manufacturer's instructions about how long you can leave it in It's a good idea to avoid using tampons orfemale barrier contraception if you've had TSS before.