What is Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a viral illness that occurs in children under the age of five. It is also known as Tomato flu or Tomato fever. On May 6, 2022, it was first identified in Kollam-Kerala. It has been reported in more than 82 children under 5 years of age. Tomato flu virus is transmitted from person to person through respiration. Although symptoms usually occur in young children, it can also occur in adults. It is called tomato flu because the most prominent symptom of the disease is blisters on the skin, which can reach the size of a tomato. It is not transmitted by touching or eating tomatoes. Because the symptoms are similar to those of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Monkeypox virus, the name Tomato flu is used to avoid confusion with these diseases.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a virus-borne disease. It can often cause symptoms similar to hand, foot and mouth disease. Some symptoms of the disease are also similar to Covid-19 and Monkeypox outbreaks. It should be well differentiated from these diseases. Signs and symptoms of tomato flu include the following:
Red, fluid-filled and painful blisters, mostly on the skin of the hands, feet and buttocks, which can reach the size of a tomato (the most prominent symptom of tomato flu),
- High fever,
- Joint pains
- Fatigue
- Redness and irritation of the skin,
- Rash on the skin,
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration (water loss)
- Swelling in the joints,
- Body pain
- Flu symptoms similar to dengue fever.
Is Tomato Flu Virus Contagious?
As with all flu infections, tomato flu is a contagious disease. It can be transmitted from person to person through contact. Since the transmission rate of influenza diseases is high, especially in young children, the risk of transmission of this disease may be high in children between the ages of 1 and 5. Causes of tomato flu include direct contact with the infected person and not paying attention to hygiene rules. Sharing personal belongings, touching and kissing people with tomato flu symptoms can increase the risk of transmission. Although it is an epidemic mostly seen in children, it may spread to adults if preventive measures are not taken.
How is Tomato Flu Diagnosed?
After contact with people infected with the virus, red blisters may appear on the body. In addition, anyone with high fever or fatigue should be examined with suspicion of tomato flu. People with these symptoms can be given a preliminary diagnosis of tomato flu. For a definitive diagnosis, blood tests as well as molecular and serological tests should be performed. As a result of these tests, other influenza diseases can be ruled out and tomato flu can be diagnosed. There is currently no test specific for this virus.
Ways to Prevent Tomato Flu Virus
Because tomato flu is a viral disease, it can spread easily and quickly. It can be transmitted from person to person through contact. For this reason, it is important that the sick child stays away from others for a while and that their personal belongings are not used by other people. There is no medicine or vaccine that provides protection against this virus. To protect against tomato flu, public awareness should be raised and people should protect themselves against the virus. The name tomato flu is used for this disease because of the red blisters on the body, which can reach the size of a tomato. It is not a disease that can be transmitted through tomatoes. Therefore, not touching or eating tomatoes will not protect you from the disease. Among the ways to protect against the tomato flu virus are the following:
- Personal items such as toys, clothes and bed linen should be cleaned frequently and not used by others.
- Avoid close contact with people who have or are suspected of having the tomato flu virus.
- Social distancing rules should be followed in closed spaces.
- Unclean surfaces should not be touched and should be disinfected.
- Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water.
- Hygiene rules should be followed.
- Use condoms for safe sexual intercourse.
- Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.
- People receiving treatment that weakens the immune system such as chemotherapy and cortisone should use personal protective equipment in the community.
Tomato Flu Treatment
Tomato flu is not a treatable disease. Although there is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for this disease, symptomatic treatments can be applied. As with other influenza diseases, people with symptoms may be advised by a doctor to rest, isolate themselves, drink plenty of fluids and pay attention to their diet. In addition, painkillers and antipyretics may be prescribed by the doctor if there are disturbing symptoms. The disease is self-limiting and recovery can be seen within a few weeks. Although it is a disease without serious consequences such as death, children and people with weak immune systems should be careful.