Last summer, Amy Rae Elifritz went from being a healthy and happy 20-year old, with her whole life ahead of her, to losing her life in a matter of days...
...Sadly, this could have been prevented.
Did you know that tampon-related Toxic Shock Syndrome is real, relatively common, and can be deadly?
[According to menstruation.com.au, Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an illness caused by rare bacteria which occurs mostly in menstruating women who are using high absorbency tampons].
More common symptoms include a high fever (over 102° F.), vomiting, diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, and drop in blood pressure.
Muscular aches and pains, headaches, sore throat, blood shot eyes, confusion, and peeling of the skin on the palms and soles may also appear.
These symptoms are important and require prompt medical attention.
In fact You are Loved.org suggests that as soon as you start experiencing a fever and flu-like symptoms, whilst wearing a tampon, you should immediately check yourself into a hospital and insist that you have blood work done].
Last summer when Amy experienced flu-like symptoms, the fact that she was menstruating seemed unimportant.
A few days later, on June 13, she died from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
But Toxic Shock Syndrome, is entirely preventable.
Here are a few ways to prevent the disease:
1) Never use super-absorbent(absorbency) tampons
2) Only wear tampons when you absolutely need to, e.g. when swimming or entering a dancing competition
3) Remember to remove tampons after 3 hours of use (the manufacturers will suggest 4-6 hours, but I suggest 3 hours, to be completely safe).
4) Alternate between wearing tampons and pads.
From menstruation.com.au:
5) Don't leave your tampon in overnight
6) When inserting a tampon, be extremely careful not to scratch the vaginal lining. Plastic applicators may cause an increased risk because of the sharp edges produced when opening the applicator.
[Or use tampons that don't require applicators e.g. O.B. Tampons (Regular Absorbency)].
If your vagina seems dry, use a water-soluble lubricating jelly to ease insertion. Or wait until you've done a few activities for the day, then try to insert the tampon.
7) Do not use a tampon between periods, because it may dry out the vagina.
8) Use 100% cotton tampons [e.g. O.B. Tampons (Regular Absorbency)], instead of those made with synthetic materials.
9) If you have been diagnosed as having TSS, do not to wear tampons.
Lisa Elifritz, Amy’s Mom, founded You ARE Loved to help raise awareness about the link between tampons and TSS with the goal of saving lives.
Please check out You ARE Loved online, on Facebook and on Twitter, read their informational brochure, view a 2-part story (part 1 and part 2), by the Indianapolis CBS affiliate WISH-TV to find out more about how you can help prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting TSS.
You can also contact You ARE Loved at 478.918.3224 for more information.
Gillian
