What should you know about early symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious illness caused by toxins released by certain bacteria. It can develop during menstruation, but it can also follow childbirth, surgery, a wound, a burn or another infection. The illness may worsen quickly. Early features can look like flu or stomach infection, yet the combination of abrupt fever, feeling faint, vomiting or diarrhoea, marked weakness, confusion, muscle pain and skin redness is concerning. Later problems may include breathing difficulty, reduced urine or peeling skin.

Treat this as an emergency rather than monitoring it at home. If you are using a tampon or menstrual cup, remove it and tell the clinician what product was used and when. Do not delay care to replace it or search for an explanation. Tell emergency staff about recent surgery, childbirth, wounds, skin infections, medicines and allergies. If you feel faint or confused, do not drive yourself; have someone call emergency services and stay with you.

Seek emergency help immediately for sudden fever with faintness, confusion, a widespread rash, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, severe muscle aches, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening illness. Urgency applies even if the temperature is not known or the rash is subtle. A clinician may examine the skin and infection source, monitor vital organs, and start treatment quickly when toxic shock is suspected.

Ask what may be the infection source, whether cultures or other tests are needed, which treatments are being started, and what warning signs require continued emergency observation.