What Is Tomato Flu?

Tomato Flu is basically caused by a virus and as of now it is being termed as a clinical variation of HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease) or an after-effect of Dengue or Chikunguniya. Tomato Flu, first identified in Kerala is mostly targeting children aged between 1 to 9 years and adults with a weak immunity.

The symptoms of Tomato Flu resemble those of Covid-19 but are not associated with this virus. The disease is named so because it causes red and painful blisters throughout, which gradually become bigger and eventually disappear when the disease subsides (8-10 days). It is less contagious as compared to Covid-19 and is non-life threatening as of now.

Other symptoms of Tomato Flu include: body ache, inflammation in the joints, nausea, fever and irritation etc. Discoloration of hands and legs along with extreme fatigue and tiredness can also be seen in those affected by Tomato Flu. Digestion also gets affected and abdominal cramps or diarrhea can be present in patients. Covid-19 symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever and runny nose are also prevalent in patients with Tomato Flu.

Although no specific cause of the disease has been found so far, maintaining proper hygiene is the best thing that you can do to prevent Tomato Flu. Take care that your children do not get in physical contact with other children or unknown family members. Sanitization is a non-negotiable that can go a long way in not only preventing Tomato Flu, but other viral diseases as well.

Keeping all the above aspects in mind, it is important not to panic as this disease is easily treatable. Get in touch with a doctor as soon as you see any symptoms in your child or any other member in the family. Some prevention tips that you can follow are: