Tomato flu is a viral infection spreading in young children below the age of 5 years, and adults who are immunocompromised. Medical experts state it is a new variant of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease with symptoms similar to dengue and chikungunya. It caused by the Coxsackie Virus A 16 and belongs to the Enterovirus group. Here is all you need to know about Tomato Flu cure and techniques for prevention.
The tomato flu was first identified on the 6th of May, 2022 in the Kollam district in Kerala, and until the 26th of July, 2022, over 82 children under the age of five years succumbed to the infection, according to reports issued by government hospitals in the region. Other affected regions in Kerala are Neduvathur, Anchal, and Aryankavu.
Symptoms of tomato flu
In India, the flu first surfaced in the Kollam district of Kerala, on the 6th of May, 2022. It is identified in the form of a red blister that appears on the skin accompanies with fever and pain in the joints. Tomato flu symptoms are similar to those seen in hand, foot, and mouth disease. It is a viral infection and not considered to be life-threatening. However, it must be prevented and effectively controlled to avoid further spread in young children and adults.
Though tomato flu displays a lot of similarity with the symptoms you experience with COVID-19 (both are associated with body ache, fatigue, and fever in the early phase) with some patients with the coronavirus also reporting rashes on the skin, the tomato flu virus is not linked to SARS-CoV-2. It could be the aftermath of a dengue or chikungunya fever in young children over a viral infection. Note, this flu is a self-limiting infection, and there is no specific drug at present for its treatment.
Cure of tomato flu
Young children or immunocompromised adults suffering from tomato flu should be kept in isolation for at least five to seven days as this infection is highly contagious. Patients must drink plenty of water to keep their bodies hydrated, stay away from junk food, and rest well.
Tips for prevention
As mentioned above, tomato flu is highly contagious and it is similar to influenza. It is prudent to follow the guided instructions of your doctor and stay in careful isolation for suspected or confirmed cases. These prevention techniques must be followed-
- Isolation must be followed for five to seven days from the onset of the symptoms to prevent its spread to other young children and adults. Proper sanitation and hygiene should be maintained of the surrounding environment and necessities.
- The sharing of toys, clothes, food, and other items should be prohibited with other children who are non-infected with this viral infection.
- Vaccination and drug repurposing are the most cost-effective and efficacious approaches for ensuring the safety of the public, especially young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised adults or those with underlying health problems in the community.
