NHS advice on toxic shock syndrome as woman told she’s 'lucky to be alive' after using tampon at friend’s wedding

After one tampon-wearer was told she's 'lucky to be alive' following a deadly sanitary mistake, women and girls all over have been frantically searching for medical advice on exactly long the period product should be worn for.

Well, look no further, because we've got all the NHS tampon guidance, as well as some of the most subtle symptoms of toxic shock syndrome that all individuals who menstruate must make themselves aware of.

One woman was recently told she's 'lucky to be alive' after leaving her tampon in for too long (Kennedy News and Media)

Woman 'lucky to be alive' after leaving tampon in for too long

There's a reason why it's recommended not to leave a tampon in for over eight hours.

After attending a friend's wedding earlier this year, mother-of-two Ashley DeSkeere suddenly began feeling rather unwell.

Not only was she suffering a fever, but her condition escalated to the point where she was suffering both vomiting and diarrhoea within a matter of hours.

After eventually seeking medical attention, Ashley left doctors horrified by revealing that she'd left her tampon in for over eight hours the day prior - having believed the device would allow her to enjoy her gal pal's nuptials worry-free.

The US local was informed that she was experiencing a severe case of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), and that her life would have been at risk if she'd postponed medical intervention any longer.

After just under a week intensive care - where she was hooked onto several drips - Ashley was able to return home to her husband and children, where she vowed 'never' to wear tampons again.

The mother-of-two was discharged from hospital after five days (Kennedy News and Media)

And after Ashley's experience hit global headlines, more and more women lifted the lid on their own, equally life-threatening encounters with TSS.

Naturally, therefore, doctors and nurses are now more than ever attempting to increase awareness of the condition, which is caused by an infection.

What is toxic shock syndrome (TSS)?

According to the NHS: "TSS is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by an infection."

While it is a rare condition, it can be fatal if not treated urgently.

As well as prolonged tampon use, the condition can also be triggered by menstrual cups, a contraceptive diaphragm or a cap.

Vaginal births and c-sections can also spark TSS - as can a cut, wound, boil or burn that has become infected.

The most common symptoms of the condition are the likes of a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, a fever or shivers, dizziness and confusion vomiting and diarrhoea.

NHS advice is that sanitary products should be worn with caution (Science Photo Library/Getty)

But factors such as muscular aches and the emergence of a rash could be a sign of something more sinister.

As is the case when the palms of hands, soles of feet, tongue, or whites of eyes suddenly turn red - or when skin begins or peel or become flakey.

What to do if I think I have toxic shock syndrome?

If an individual begins to experience any/all of these severe symptoms - or has had TSS before - the NHS recommends contacting 111 for advice.

Experts add, however, that severe confusion and/or slurred speech, the skin, lips, or tongue turning blue, grey, pale, or blotchy, and a rash similar to that in meningitis cases should warrant a 999 call.

As should difficulty breathing, or large areas of skin peeling.

As we say, urgent hospital attention is required in TSS cases, where patients will likely be treated with the likes of antibiotics to treat the infection, fluids to rehydrate them (usually via a drip), medicine to help control your blood pressure, oxygen, and, in severe cases, surgery to remove infection from cuts or wounds.

People who menstruate must be aware of TSS risks (stefanamer/Getty)

How to prevent toxic shock syndrome

And when it comes to prevention of such a diagnosis, NHS experts recommend washing hands and following instructions carefully when handling the likes of tampons, menstrual cups, contraceptive caps, and diaphragms.

NHS advice adds that cuts and burns must be kept clean, and you should keep an eye on any signs of infection - including a rash, swelling or pain.

And most importantly, they warn against wearing these devices for too long - and definitely not as long as eight hours.