Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) usually appear suddenly and typically develop within 1 to 2 days after the bacteria invade the bloodstream or after the onset of infection related to tampon use

. Early symptoms often resemble a viral illness and include fever higher than 102°F (38.9°C), chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a sunburn-like rash

. Specifically related to tampon use, symptoms generally appear about two days after infection, so if symptoms start while using a tampon, it is crucial to remove it immediately and seek medical attention

. The risk of TSS increases if a tampon is left in longer than the recommended time (usually no more than 8 hours), as this can promote bacterial growth

. In summary, toxic shock syndrome symptoms usually appear suddenly within 1 to 2 days after bacterial exposure, such as tampon use, with initial flu-like signs followed by more severe symptoms like rash, low blood pressure, and organ involvement