By Her View From Home 
As women, we’re warned about the dangers of toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, from the time we’re teenagers. I clearly remember learning how important it is to change tampons regularly and not to wear them for extended periods. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I learned of the potential dangers of tampon use while swimming, especially in non-chlorinated water.
One mother’s post on Facebook went viral after her teenage daughter contracted toxic shock syndrome from a tampon she wore while swimming in the Lake of the Ozarks.
Ashley Anthony, a surgical tech in Jacksonville, IL., detailed the entire ordeal online and begged, “Anyone with GIRLS . . . please read our terrifying experience!! But, this can happen to anyone!”
Anthony shared in her post and follow-up comments on social media that her daughter, Kelci, appeared to come down with a mysterious illness about two days after swimming. Her symptoms began on a Friday morning with what she believed to be car sickness while out with a friend but became progressively worse throughout the day. That night, Kelci developed a fever of 103 and both her blood pressure and heart rate were extremely irregular.
“Saturday morning, she woke up to go to the bathroom. When doing so, she blacked out. I was not ok with that and we immediately left for urgent care,” Anthony wrote. “When we got there, they tested for strep and Covid. Both were negative. But, they were concerned and let me know her blood pressure was low and her heart rate high and recommended ER right away.”
After that, Anthony said Kelci began to turn red as if she had a sunburn, which a PICU doctor later identified as a telltale sign of TSS. Kelci was transferred to St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield, where her parents suddenly faced a devastating reality.
“She had multiple organ failure. Our girl was dying. A parent’s worst nightmare. She had contracted Toxic Shock Syndrome, not from misuse of tampons, but because she wore one while swimming in the Lake at the Ozarks,” Anthony explained. “The dirty water had absorbed through the string and the bacteria in the water caused Staph Infection, which led to the Toxic Shock Syndrome. She had also become septic (causing the shutdown).”
Fortunately, the quick thinking of the medical staff and their excellent care saved Kelci’s life. She was immediately administered a hefty dose of antibiotics in addition to vasopressors and fluids. Other than not being able to wear tampons in the future, Kelci is expected to make a full recovery and did not sustain any lasting organ damage.
Although rare, it’s important to know the signs of toxic shock syndrome and to do your best to mitigate the risks of contracting it. If you choose to swim with a tampon, make sure you remove it immediately afterward. According to the FDA, you should change tampons every 4-8 hours, use the lowest absorbency possible, and seek medical attention immediately if you have pain, fever, or any unusual symptoms after use.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome requiring medical care can include:
- A sudden high fever
- Low blood pressure
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- A rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Redness of your eyes, mouth and throat
- Seizures
- Headaches
Note: The information included above is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
by Aliette Silva 
by Leslie Means 
