When to Seek Medical Care

When to call the doctor

• Children
  
  
  • If a child has a fever and a red rash with some of the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, call the doctor to discuss the possibility of toxic shock syndrome.
  
  
  • The most common causes of a fever and a rash in children are viruses and scarlet fever, which affect children younger than 10 years. Scarlet fever is a form of strep throat that causes a sore throat and a raised (bumpy) rash, not the flat rash of toxic shock syndrome. Scarlet fever is not usually a serious illness, and it is safe to wait until morning to call and visit the doctor.
  
  
  • If a child has severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or all three, call the doctor to discuss the symptoms of dehydration.


• Adults
  
  
  • If a high fever is present without a rash, as well as some of the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, call the doctor.
  
  
  • Many viral illnesses can cause fever and sore throat, cough, malaise, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches.

When to go to the hospital

• Children: Take a child to the pediatrician or the hospital's emergency department if he or she has a fever, has a flat (not bumpy) rash, is not acting normally, seems confused, is short of breath, or faints.


• Adults: If fever is present with some of the toxic shock syndrome symptoms, along with a red rash, proceed to the hospital's emergency department for evaluation. Have someone else drive, especially if feeling lightheaded or confused. Women who are menstruating and using a tampon should remove the tampon prior to going to the hospital.