Madonna looked haggard, thin and exhausted shortly before contracting the severe bacterial infection that nearly killed her, doctors say.

The 64-year-old star was rushed to ICU and intubated after being found passed out on the floor of her New York apartment on Saturday.

Her family, who rushed to her side, were said to be “preparing for the worst” and “fearing he might lose her”.

However, the queen of POP is not only coming back stronger but is now said to be back at home four days after being hospitalized and recovering until she regains her strength.

As for what is the cause of the serious health problem she faced, as the Daily Mail notes, her grueling workouts may have made her more susceptible to infections that would otherwise be negligible.

After examining the photo, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, taken the day before her illness, doctors said she looked “exhausted” and “weak”.