Diagnosis of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Clinicians look for a combination of high fever, low blood pressure, a widespread rash, vomiting or diarrhoea, muscle aches, confusion, and signs that organs are under strain. They will ask about recent infections, wounds, surgery, childbirth and use of tampons or other inserted menstrual products. Blood and urine tests can assess inflammation, kidney function, liver function and clotting. Samples from blood, a wound or another suspected source may be sent to a laboratory, but treatment should not wait for every result.

This is an emergency rather than an illness to monitor at home. Remove a tampon or menstrual cup if one is in place, and tell the medical team what was used and when. Do not delay care to try leftover antibiotics or treat the rash yourself. Bring a list of medicines and explain any recent wound, procedure or infection. Hospital care may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, monitoring and treatment of the source of infection.

Seek emergency help immediately for sudden fever with faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, a rapidly spreading rash, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, or very little urine. Symptoms can worsen quickly, and the absence of a rash does not safely rule out toxic shock syndrome. If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, or have a wound or procedure site, mention this when calling for help.

Ask which findings suggest toxic shock syndrome, which samples and organ tests are being checked, whether a wound or device could be the source, and what monitoring is needed after initial treatment.