Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in Grand Rapids, MI

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by toxins produced by certain bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and sometimes Streptococcus pyogenes (strep).

While TSS can affect anyone, menstruating women who use tampons are at higher risk. Understanding the symptoms and when to seek emergency care is especially important for women and families in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan.

What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome?

TSS happens when specific bacteria grow rapidly and release powerful toxins into the bloodstream. It is the toxin, not just the presence of the bacteria, that causes severe illness.

These bacteria commonly live harmlessly on the skin, in the nose, and in the vagina. Under certain conditions—such as prolonged tampon use, a wound, or recent surgery—they can multiply and produce enough toxin to trigger TSS.

Although tampon-associated TSS is the most well-known, TSS can also occur:

  • After childbirth
  • After surgery or a deep skin infection
  • From burns or open wounds
  • In men, children, and non-menstruating women with staph or strep infections

In Grand Rapids, residents should be particularly aware during the colder months, when skin tends to crack and dry, increasing the risk of skin infections that can rarely lead to complications like TSS.

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Anyone can develop toxic shock syndrome, but higher-risk groups include:

  • Menstruating women who use tampons, especially super-absorbent types
  • People with recent surgery or wounds
  • Individuals with skin infections (including those worsened by dry, cold Michigan winters)
  • People using wound packing or nasal packing after surgery

Even though TSS is associated with tampon use, it is very rare considering how many people in Grand Rapids and across the U.S. use tampons safely every month.

Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampon Use

Tampons may increase the risk of TSS in two main ways:

  1. Encouraging bacterial growth

    • Super-absorbent tampons or tampons left in too long (more than 4–8 hours) can create a warm, moist environment that helps bacteria multiply.

  2. Causing tiny abrasions

    • When tampons stick to the vaginal walls—especially when flow is light—removal can cause small tears, making it easier for bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Importantly, about one-third of menstruating women who develop TSS have no detectable bacteria in the vagina at the time of diagnosis. This suggests other factors, such as immune response and toxin sensitivity, also play a role.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

TSS usually comes on suddenly and can worsen quickly. If you live in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms—especially if you are on your period and using tampons, or have a recent wound or surgery—seek emergency care immediately.

Common symptoms include:

  • High fever (usually 102°F / 38.9°C or higher)
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • A skin rash that looks like a sunburn, often on the trunk
  • Peeling skin on the hands and feet (usually appears later)
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Red eyes, red mouth, or red tongue
  • Confusion, feeling “out of it,” or difficulty thinking clearly
  • Very low blood pressure (feeling faint, dizzy, or collapsing)
  • Joint pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Signs of kidney problems, such as decreased urination or dark urine

TSS is a medical emergency. Symptoms can progress to shock, organ failure, and death if not treated quickly.

When to Seek Emergency Care in Grand Rapids

If you suspect toxic shock syndrome:

  1. Remove any tampon or menstrual cup immediately.
  2. Do not use another tampon.
  3. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.

In Grand Rapids, emergency care is available at:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital – Downtown Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health facilities in the broader West Michigan region

If you are unsure what to do, it is safer to call 911 and describe your symptoms, especially if you feel faint, confused, or extremely unwell.

How Toxic Shock Syndrome Is Treated

People with suspected TSS are usually admitted to the hospital, often to an intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment may include:

  • Intravenous (IV) antibiotics to kill the bacteria
  • IV fluids to support blood pressure and treat dehydration
  • Medications to support blood pressure (vasopressors), if needed
  • Oxygen or breathing support, and sometimes a ventilator
  • Treatment for complications, such as:
    • Kidney failure
    • Liver problems
    • Heart issues
  • Removal of the source of infection, such as:
    • Removing tampons, menstrual cups, or vaginal devices
    • Cleaning or draining infected wounds
    • Removing nasal packing or other foreign materials

With early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, most people recover. Delay in treatment greatly increases the risk of serious complications.

Reducing Your Risk of TSS with Tampon Use

You can lower your risk of tampon-related toxic shock syndrome with these steps:

Safe Tampon Practices

  • Change tampons regularly

    • At least every 4–8 hours
    • Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours

  • Use the lowest absorbency needed

    • Avoid super-absorbent tampons unless your flow is very heavy
    • Switch to regular or light absorbency as your flow decreases

  • Use pads instead of tampons overnight

    • Especially helpful if you tend to sleep longer than 8 hours

  • Do not use tampons when you are not on your period

    • Avoid using tampons “just in case” or for discharge

  • Consider pads or panty liners on light-flow days

    • Especially during the last day or two of your period

Inserting and Removing Tampons Safely

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after inserting or removing a tampon.
  • Only unwrap a tampon when you are ready to use it.
  • Handle the tampon as little as possible to keep it clean.
  • Be gentle when inserting and removing:
    • If removal is uncomfortable or feels “stuck,” your flow may be too light for that absorbency.
    • Consider switching to a lower absorbency or using pads.
  • Avoid applicator tampons if they tend to cause irritation or scraping of the vaginal walls.
  • During the last day or so of your period, when flow is light, you may:
    • Use pads instead of tampons, or
    • Use a water-based lubricating jelly on the tip of the tampon to reduce friction, if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Menstrual Cups and TSS

There are no large clinical trials proving that menstrual cups reduce the risk of TSS. TSS has been reported, though rarely, in menstrual cup users. If you use a menstrual cup:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully.
  • Wash your hands before insertion and removal.
  • Do not leave the cup in longer than recommended.
  • Remove it immediately and seek care if you develop symptoms of TSS.

Other Ways to Reduce TSS Risk

Because TSS can also occur from skin and wound infections, additional prevention tips include:

  • Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered, especially in winter when dry, cracked skin is common in West Michigan.
  • Seek care for:
    • Worsening redness, swelling, or pain around a wound
    • Pus or drainage
    • Fever with a skin infection
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions after any surgery or procedure.
  • If you have nasal packing or wound packing, follow up as directed to have it removed on time.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions or concerns about toxic shock syndrome, menstrual health, or infection prevention, you can reach out to:

  • Your primary care provider or OB/GYN in Grand Rapids
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) women’s health and family medicine clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids OB/GYN and family practice clinics
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health) primary care and women’s health services
  • Kent County Health Department – for public health information and resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – for education and low-cost care options

In an emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Key Points to Remember

  • Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious and potentially life-threatening.
  • It is caused by toxins from certain bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Menstruating women who use tampons are at higher risk, but TSS can affect anyone.
  • Symptoms include:
    • High fever, vomiting, diarrhea
    • Sunburn-like rash, red eyes, sore throat
    • Confusion, low blood pressure, and sometimes collapse
  • Immediate medical care is critical. If you suspect TSS, remove any tampon and seek emergency care right away.
  • Safe tampon use—changing tampons regularly, using the lowest absorbency needed, and using pads overnight—can reduce your risk.
  • Grand Rapids residents have access to excellent emergency and women’s health services through Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West, Mercy Health, and local public health resources.

If you live in Grand Rapids and have concerns about your menstrual products or TSS risk, schedule an appointment with a local healthcare provider to discuss the safest options for you.