Another viral disease spreading in India; What is Tomato flu? Cause, symptoms, and treatment

by Healthnews24seven Desk

Lately, 80 cases of tomato fever or tomato flu have been reported in Kerala’s Kollam district, bringing the country’s total to 100 cases. Therefore, it is critical for us to understand this illness. Here is a thorough explanation of the viral illness, including its causes, symptoms, and indicators.

What is tomato fever/flu?

The hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), commonly known as tomato fever or tomato flu, is an uncommon viral ailment that causes blisters and rashes all over the body. It has nothing to do with eating tomatoes; rather, the name was given to the condition because the rashes resemble tomatoes in both colour and shape. Tomato fever’s genesis is currently unknown. It is thought to be a rare viral infection, nevertheless. The illness is not lethal or life-threatening, but it is reportedly quite contagious.

What are the symptoms?

Red blisters, rashes, skin irritation, and dehydration are a few of the typical telltale indications of tomato fever. A high fever, body aches, joint swelling, exhaustion, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting are some potential symptoms that people may suffer. According to specialists, one can also feel a cough and a cold.

How concerning is the situation?

Read more: Tomato flu is gripping children; Know causes symptoms and precautions

Keeping children safe should be a top priority because tomato flu cases in children have been documented in the majority of cases. There is no way to know whether the illness is more or less worrisome or harmful than COVID-19 or Monkeypox, but specialists advise not dismissing it, particularly given how common it is in young children.

Many people in the nation are relieved that there have been no reports of deaths up to this point. The majority of the symptoms of tomato flu or fever are mild and treatable, thus it is not currently thought to be a life-threatening condition.

Impact on children:

According to reports, children’s skin may develop blisters or red, itchy rashes from tomato fever, just like it does from Chikungunya. This might urge a kid to scratch, which would result in more permanent harm like scarring. Having said that, parents must remember a few very important things, such as closely monitoring your child and isolating them from other children or people.

Allowing kids to scratch or touch the rashes could make the skin problems worse. Make sure your child is in a clean, hygienic environment, and that both they and their surroundings are kept that way.

Treatment:

• As was previously mentioned, it’s critical to practise good hygiene, particularly for individuals who have the viral infection.

• In case any of the symptoms begin to manifest, speak with your doctor.

• Until the symptoms go away, make sure to drink plenty of water, rest, and keep to yourself.

How to keep this at bay?

Avoiding contact with somebody who has tomato fever or the flu is the greatest method to protect yourself from contracting the viral illness. Avoid touching everything an infected person has touched, and don’t use their clothes, utensils, or other goods.