Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a serious reaction to toxins made by certain bacteria. It may begin with a flu-like illness and then affect several parts of the body. Possible symptoms include a high temperature, chills, headache, intense muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, and unusual sleepiness or confusion.

A rash may look like sunburn and can involve much of the body. Redness of the eyes, mouth, or throat may occur. Later, the skin on the hands or feet may peel, although this is not needed for diagnosis. Symptoms can appear around an infected wound, after surgery, or during tampon or menstrual cup use, but the source is not always obvious.

Treat suspected toxic shock syndrome as an emergency. Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if a sudden fever is accompanied by faintness, a widespread rash, repeated vomiting or diarrhoea, confusion, breathing difficulty, or marked weakness. Do not wait for every symptom to appear.

If you use a tampon or menstrual cup, remove it while arranging care. Tell the clinician about recent surgery, wounds, skin infections, childbirth, or any inserted menstrual product. Do not try to manage suspected toxic shock syndrome at home with leftover antibiotics.

Seek emergency help immediately for collapse, severe dizziness, confusion, blue or grey lips, difficulty breathing, a rapidly spreading rash, or inability to keep fluids down. These signs may indicate shock or serious organ involvement. While waiting for help, avoid driving yourself if you feel faint or confused.

A milder-looking illness can still become dangerous when symptoms develop rapidly. A GP consultation may help assess less urgent fever or rash, but suspected toxic shock syndrome needs emergency assessment rather than a routine appointment.

Ask what might be causing the fever and rash, whether a wound or menstrual product could be involved, which symptoms should prompt immediate return, and how to care for any wound while treatment is arranged. Ask when it is safe to resume tampon or menstrual cup use.