Should I be scared of toxic shock syndrome?

You don't need to be scared (it's less common than you think), but it also shouldn't be laughed off. If you frequently change out soaked tampons and keep yourself clean, you are less likely to get TSS. About 3-6/100,000 people are diagnosed with TSS, and while it is serious, it is not necessarily fatal.

If you are experiencing any severe pain or ongoing irregularities, check in with a doctor as you may be suffering from an underlying issue that can be treated.