Tomato Flu symptoms in child, medicine and treatment - All you need to know

Tomato Flu or Tomato Fever cases have been reported in India since May with Kerala being the worst affected. It usually infects children below five years of age. The rising cases have prompted the government to order a strict vigil. According to reports, more than 80 cases of Tomato Flu have been identified in the country so far. The infectious disease has become a cause of concern for the government because it has been affecting children, mainly in the age group of 1-9.

Tomato Flu Symptoms

Tomato Flu in India was first identified in the Kollam district of Kerala on May 6. The Tomato Flu virus shows symptoms similar to those of Covid-19 but the virus is not related to SARS-CoV-2. The basic symptoms are similar to those of chikungunya like high fever, rashes and intense pain in joints. Other symptoms of Tomato Flue include body aches, fatigue, joint swelling, nausea, diarrhea, dehydration and joint aches.

In some cases of Tomato Flue, patients also reported rashes on their skin. Tomato Flu is a form of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Tomato Flu is rare in adults as they usually have immune systems strong enough to defend themselves from the virus.

The flu was named on the basis of the eruption of red blisters giving a resemblance to a tomato.

Experts say that Tomato Flu is not a new disease. The only thing is that it has got a new name -- Tomato Flu. In the research paper published in the Lancet Journal, it is nowhere written that it has been proved by a lab test or any other way that it is a new virus.

Dr Pawan Kumar of Madhukar Rainbow Hospital said that the disease is cured in 5 to 7 days only by taking rest and taking medicines. "It can spread from one child to another, but it is less likely to spread from children to adults. "

Ever since the first case was reported in Kollam, the number of cases has only spiraled. As many as 82 children have got infected upon contact with the Tomato Flu virus. Apart from Kerala, cases have also been reported in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Odisha.

Tomato Flu Treatment

Tomato Flu does not spread like Covid-19 and nor it is dangerous. Tomato Flu is self-limiting. There are no specific drugs for it. It is suggested that children who have got infected from Tomato Flue should take rest, consume plenty of fluids and take hot water sponge.

Those having rashes should remain in isolation for five-seven days. The treatment for Tomato Flu or Tomato Fever is similar to chikungunya or dengue.