Toxic shock syndrome.

TSS is rare. According to figures from the UK Public Health Laboratory Service there were, on average, 18 cases per year between 1985 and 1990 out of a total population of about 58 million. Only half the cases are associated with tampons. TSS can result from burns, insect bites or surgery and can affect anyone--men, women and children. Symptoms resemble -flu and there may also be a red rash. TSS is a serious illness which can occasionally be fatal, but most cases recover with prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. Good tampon hygiene can largely prevent the risk of tampon-related TSS.