What is Tomato Flu? Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Tomato flu, or tomato fever, is a new viral disease that has recently been discussed because of its unique symptoms, especially for children. It is not a life-threatening condition; however, it should be well understood and controlled to avoid spreading.

Understanding Tomato Flu

Tomato flu, or tomato fever, got its name from the red, tomato-shaped rash it produces on the skin. The symptoms are worse in children below the required age of 5 and are easily transmittable. This viral infection is self-limiting and does not need specific medical intervention to clear it from the body. However, early treatment is advised in a bid not to complicate the disease and risk spreading the disease to other people.

Causes of Tomato fever

The reason for tomato flu is still unknown, but it is assumed to be a viral illness resulting from enteroviruses or a new form of the HFMD virus. It spreads through:

• Direct contact: Interacting with an infected person, one will most likely catch the disease.
• Contaminated surfaces: As common toys and utensils or surfaces on which the virus could possibly exist are touched more often, the chance of disease increases also.
• Droplets from coughing or sneezing: Like all viral diseases, tomato fever can also be contracted through contaminated respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of Tomato Flu

Early identification of tomato flu symptoms ought to be a priority in order to afford the appropriate treatment. Common signs include:

• Skin rashes: The most noticeable sign of tomato fever is skin lesions that look like tomatoes and are vesicular in nature. These may develop on the skin of the hands, feet, mouth or other body parts.
• High fever: One of the first symptoms of the infection is having a high temperature, or fever as it is commonly called.
• Joint pain: Children may show complaints of body aches and feel uncomfortable in their joints.
• Fatigue: Some symptoms include fatigue and general body weakness at the onset of the illness.
• Irritation in the mouth: It becomes difficult to eat and/or drink in cases where one develops soreness or ulcers inside the mouth.
• Other flu-like symptoms: Some of the indicated signs of tomato flu include nasal drainage, sore throat and coughing.

Complications of tomato flu

While tomato fever is not fatal, it can lead to complications if not managed properly:

• Dehydration: Mouth blisters may make it difficult for the patient to eat or even drink, leading to blisters forming.
• Secondary infections: Sometimes, open sores become infected with bacteria, which causes other problems in the body.
• Spread of infection: Late health precautions or lack of personal and group cleanliness can trigger instances in a number of communities or schools.

Tomato flu treatment

Though no specific treatment for tomato flu is available because this flu is a condition that clears up on its own, management focuses on symptom relief and preventing complications:

• Rest and hydration: Itty-bitty naps and plenty of water should be taken to promote healing with no decrease in the amount of hydration.
• Pain relievers: These include paracetamol, aspirin, etc.
• Soothing skin: For itching and other skin rash symptoms, you can use calamine lotion or some equivalent products.
• Isolation: It is recommended that infected children be isolated until the symptoms develop into mild ones and they no longer cause the spread of the virus.
• Hygiene maintenance: The prevention of secondary infection is attained by ensuring that the blisters are cleaned and should not be scratched.

Preventing Tomato Flu

Prevention is better than cure, and this is especially the case for communicable diseases such as tomato fever. Here are some effective preventive measures:

• Encourage hygiene practices: Wash children’s hands regularly, including before eating, after playing, and after using the washroom with soap and clean water.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid contact, which can spread or contractions through sharing toys, utensils or any other items with others, especially children.
• Disinfect surfaces: Wash your hands and the hands of anyone who has touched any of the main germ hot spots, such as a doorknob, toys, table, etc.
• Monitor symptoms early: Any child who develops signs of tomato flu symptoms must consult a doctor and quarantine themselves immediately.
• Boost immunity: The availability of vitamins and minerals can enhance the defence of children, and thus are not likely to fall sick frequently.

Conclusion

Tomato flu, as described and depicted, might be frightening, but it is a relatively easy viral sickness if treated appropriately. If the causes of tomato fever are known, and the first signs of the disease are distinguished, everyone can avoid touching children and prevent mass outbreaks of the ailment.