Prevention of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm Dr. Mieke Lane. I'm an OBGYN with Cascadia Women's clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today I'm going to talk to you regarding the prevention of toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial infection that releases toxins within your bodies. These toxins go on to trigger damage within your internal organs causing various medical problems. Ways that we can sometimes acquire or get toxic shock syndrome can include the use of tampons. And not the use of tampons over your lifetime but using tampons for more than four hours at a time. Other ways that we can get it is through contaminated wounds such as an abscess, burn or cut. These particular cuts or lacerations can occur on any part of your body. If they are contaminated with this particular bacteria then you are at risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. Ways that we can prevent toxic shock syndrome include good hand washing. So any time you are doing a bandage or a dressing change, caring for your wound, cut or laceration you need to be sure you are washing your hands. The other thing that you need to do is that if you are using tampons is to be sure not to leave them in for any longer then four hours at a time and to be sure that you are using a low absorbent tampon. Beyond that if you have further questions or concerns contact your health care provider."