Tampons and Sepsis

“Dangerous Tampon Use: Two Sisters’ Harrowing Battle with Sepsis Raises Alarming Health Concerns”

Two American sisters, Devine (21) and Jaya (17) Johnson, faced life-threatening sepsis after using tampons, prompting their parents to share their harrowing experience. Both sisters, a month apart, ended up in the intensive care unit with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) from the same box of “super plus” tampons.

Their mother, Javon, expressed the family’s fear, recounting the touch-and-go situation as the girls’ organs were at risk of shutting down. Devine, who finished her period, initially displayed cold-like symptoms, leading to septic shock traced back to tampon usage. Jaya, during a family holiday, was hospitalized for what seemed like heatstroke but turned out to be TSS from tampon use, only within the first two days.

While the sisters are out of immediate danger, their recovery is ongoing, marked by physical weakness and sluggishness. Javon, concerned for her five daughters, has prohibited tampon use.

Symptoms and Prevention: TSS, caused by Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, presents sudden symptoms such as high fever, body aches, nausea, rash, and more. To prevent TSS, experts advise using sanitary pads, changing tampons every 4-8 hours, opting for lower absorbency, refraining from tampon use outside menstruation, and ensuring clean surgical incisions.

This alarming incident emphasizes the importance of recognizing TSS signs for prompt treatment. The Johnson family’s traumatic experience serves as a crucial warning, shedding light on the potentially severe consequences of tampon-related infections. Health experts stress the significance of preventive measures to safeguard against TSS, urging individuals to prioritize their well-being.

The Johnson sisters’ ordeal highlights the need for awareness about TSS and the potential dangers associated with tampon use. This cautionary tale serves as a reminder for individuals to prioritize their health and seek prompt medical attention when encountering symptoms associated with TSS.

Re-reported article originally published in The Times Now News English