What are the odds of getting TSS?

How Rare Is Toxic Shock Syndrome Today?

It's easy to fear the worst when it comes to health scares, especially ones tied to everyday products like tampons. But when it comes to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), the reality is far less alarming than many assume. As Dr. Ted Miller, an SSM Health obstetrician and gynecologist, recently explained, actual cases today are incredibly rare.

"Most years, Toxic Shock Syndrome has been zero or one case per year," Dr. Miller said in a recent radio interview. That’s not per thousand or million—just one or none in an entire year, at least in many observed settings. Compare that to the early 1980s, when TSS made headlines and public health officials recorded about 10 cases per 100,000 people. The spike back then was largely linked to certain high-absorbency tampons and a lack of awareness about safe usage.

So what changed? Improved product safety, better consumer education, and updated regulations have all played a role. Tampon packaging now includes clear warnings and instructions, and most women are more aware of the importance of changing tampons regularly and using the lowest absorbency needed.

TSS isn't exclusive to tampon use—it can occur after surgery, burns, or even skin infections—but menstrual-related cases are the most widely recognized. The bacteria responsible, Staphylococcus aureus, is common, but the specific toxin production leading to TSS is extremely uncommon today.

While it's still wise to be informed—especially during menstruation—the odds of encountering TSS are vanishingly small. As Dr. Miller's data reminds us, modern medicine and awareness have dramatically reduced the risk. So while vigilance matters, fear doesn’t need to.