There have been some horror stories regarding the use of tampons and the contraction of Toxic Shock Syndrome. One of the most well-known cases involves model Lauren Wasser who made headlines in 2012 when she lost her leg due to complications caused by a tampon, then five years on, in January of 2018, she sadly made headlines again, because she had to have her second leg amputated.

Wasser’s story is heartbreaking, but she has used it as a warning to other women about the risk associated with tampons. She has become an advocate for preventing Toxic Shock Syndrome, and it’s a role that she has embraced in the hopes of spreading awareness.

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a serious medical condition caused by a bacterial infection after the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, gets into the bloodstream and produces toxins, Healthline reports. This infection is often linked to menstruating women who use super-absorbent tampons: This could be because the tampon is left in one place for an extended amount of time it can cause bacteria or tampon fibers may scratch the vagina and leave an opening for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. However, it can reportedly also affect men, older women, and even children.

According to WebMD, “More than a third of all cases of toxic shock involve women under 19, and up to 30% of women who have had the disease will get it again.”

But how do you recognize whether you could be in danger, as this is an infection that requires immediate medical care? According to the site, if you have experienced a sudden fever, in addition to vomiting, and have been using tampons, you should immediately call your doctor. And Mayo Clinic offers more details about the symptoms, which happen suddenly. These include a fever, low blood pressure, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion, among others.

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