Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Toxic Shock Syndrome

April 28, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med Ralf von Seckendorff

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am in total panic. I got my period today and have been out all day with the tampon unfortunately inside me for about 14 hours since this morning. Now I heard from a friend that Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can occur?

I feel normal, except for the usual period discomfort. My body temperature is 36.0 degrees axillary. I do not feel nauseous, dizzy, have no rash, no muscle pain, no sore throat.

How long do I have to be careful and watch for symptoms after this disaster? Does the infection always come with a fever? I am afraid I will notice it too late, how likely is an infection from my mistake?

Yours sincerely.

Dr. med Ralf von Seckendorff

Hello, I am happy to help you. If you have removed the tampon now and are free of symptoms, you don't need to worry further. The chance of TSS is very low in this case. You would have definitely experienced symptoms by now. In the future, you can pay closer attention. From your description, it doesn't seem like there is any cause for concern this time. Best regards