Cases of ‘tomato flu’ have been detected in Kerala. The flu causes rashes and red blisters on the infected child’s body which are generally red in colour and thus it is called Tomato Flu or Tomato fever. What exactly causes the disease is not known yet, as experts are unsure whether it is a different virus, or just an after-effect of chikungunya. The flu is an infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). It’s caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person.
What is Tomato Flu & its symptoms?
Tomato flu affects children below five years of age. The symptoms of this flu, also called Tomato fever, include rashes, skin irritation and dehydration.
According to several reports, the flu can also cause tiredness, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, high fever, and body ache. In some cases, it may also change the colour of the legs and the hands.
This flu is a self-limiting one and there is no specific drug for this. This means that the symptoms will resolve overtime on their own if supportive care is given.
Treatment of Tomato Flu
Like other cases of flu, tomato fever is also contagious. This could spread rapidly from one person to another. It is essential to prevent children from scratching the blisters caused by the flu. Proper rest and hygiene is also advised. Utensils, clothes and other items used by the infected persons must be sanitised to prevent the flu from spreading.
Fluid intake would also help counteract dehydration. Most importantly, it is important to seek your doctor’s advice if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms.