WHAT IS TOMATO FLU?

 

Why the name tomato flu?

The infection has been named "Tomato Flue" because of the red ,painful blisters that appear on a patients body and gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato. It is caused by Coxsackievirus A 16 which belong to the Enterovirus family. The enteroviruses are seen an ancient and important group of RNA viruses.  Humans are the only host for enteroviruses (NPEVs). The infectious disease is caused by intestinal  viruses and is rare in adults as they usually have immune systems strong enough to defend them from virus.

Transmission

• Tomato flu is very contagious and children are at increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact.
• If the outbreak of tomato flu in children is not controlled and prevented , transmission might lead to serious consequences by spreading in adults as well.

Symptoms

• The primary symptoms observed in children with tomato flu are like those of  chikungunya , which include high fever, rashes, and intense pain in joints.
• As with over other viral infections , further symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, swelling of joints , body aches , and common influenza - like symptoms , which are similar to those manifested in dengue.

Treatment

• This flu is self -limiting one and there is no specific drug for this.
• The treatment for tomato flu is similar to the treatment of chikungunya, dengue and hand, foot and mouth disease.
• Patients are advised to isolate, rest, plenty of fluids and hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes.