Side Effects of Toxic Shock Syndrome

The condition results from toxins made by certain bacteria. The illness may affect several body systems quickly, causing severe weakness, confusion, muscle aches, headache, red eyes, or peeling skin later on. It can occur in connection with an infected wound, surgery, or vaginal products such as tampons. Removing a possible source does not replace medical assessment.

Seek emergency care immediately if toxic shock syndrome is suspected. Do not wait for every symptom to appear. Remove a tampon or menstrual cup if one is in place, and tell clinicians about recent wounds, operations, childbirth, or skin infections. Hospital care may include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, monitoring, and treatment for affected organs.

Call emergency services for a sudden high fever with faintness, severe dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulty, a widespread rash, repeated vomiting, or markedly reduced urine. Symptoms can worsen rapidly, so someone who feels acutely unwell should not drive themselves.

Ask what may have triggered the illness, which organs need monitoring, how long antibiotics are needed, and how to care for any wound after discharge.