
The association of postinfluenza TSS with only influenza B outbreaks may be coincidence. However, this complication of influenza B has now been reported from four geographically separate locations during two different flu seasons and has not been recognized in association with influenza A or other viral illness. Despite the observation that influenza B outbreaks result in milder disease than those caused by influenza A, it appears that the complication of TSS is being seen exclusively with influenza B to date. review
Although TSS is an uncommon complication of influenza, a watchful attitude during the influenza season is warranted, perhaps especially when influenza B is prevalent. TSS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of individuals who become critically ill following an initial influenzalike illness, since specific therapy for proven, or unproven but presumed S aureus, may yield a favorable outcome in this highly lethal syndrome.