Tomato Fever: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Even before we could completely emerge from the aftereffects of coronavirus and the pandemic, there is another viral infection knocking on our doors. Tomato fever is becoming one of the most talked about viral infections because of the sudden increase in its cases in the Kollam district of Kerala (South India). Tomato flu infection was earlier reported in 2007 in Kerala. According to reports, there have been 58 cases of tomato flu in Kerala and around 26 cases in Odisha so far. With the sudden increase in the cases of tomato flu, it has become a major cause of concern. The infection is found to affect majorly the children below 5 years of age. Therefore, it is very important to keep the kids safe.

COVID-19 infection has been hard on each one of us. Dealing with a new viral infection that affects small children can be challenging and devastating both emotionally and physically. Thus, we should learn from our past mistakes. Look out for the symptoms in your child. If you suspect your child is suffering from tomato flu, consult your doctor, get it diagnosed and treated immediately.

But what can be done to protect the children from this viral infection? So in this article, let us talk about the ways in which you can protect your child from tomato fever.

What is tomato flu?

Tomato flu is a viral infection that generally affects children below the age of 5 years. The infection is known as tomato flu because it forms large blisters on your children’s skin that are red in colour and look like tomatoes. It is a self-limiting viral infection, that is, there is no specific medicine available for this infection. The symptoms of tomato flu are seen to resolve themselves over time. Thus, currently, only supportive treatment is given to the cases of tomato flu.

What are the ways of protecting children from tomato flu?

The exact cause of tomato flu is still unknown. However, scientists suspect that the viral infection can be due to chikungunya or dengue. Since tomato flu affects children below 5 years of age. It is essential that you protect your children from viral infection. The preventive measures laid down for the spreading of tomato flu infection are similar to the COVID-19 guidelines. Maintaining distance and proper hygiene are the main pillars for preventing any viral infection from spreading. Some of the ways by which you can protect your child from tomato flu.

Maintain safe distance

Just like COVID-19, the tomato fever virus is also a very contagious viral infection. It can pass from an infected person to a healthy person through touch. Therefore, the mandatory precaution of keeping a 2 feet distance should be followed religiously. Do not allow your child to come in close contact with anyone who is suffering from tomato flu. Keep the things used by an infected person also away from the reach of your child.

Follow proper hygiene

Cleanliness and proper hygiene are essential to prevent the infection from spreading. Prevent your child from scratching on any red rash that has formed on his skin. Ensure that you and your child follow all the compulsory hygiene regulations and keep yourself cleaned and sanitised at all times.

Prevent dehydration

Dehydration is another factor that can increase your child’s risk of catching tomato flu. Make sure that your child drinks a lot of liquid and keeps himself hydrated. Liquids do not only include water, fruit juices and coconut water can also be healthy beverages that can be added to their daily diet to keep them healthy.

Avoid home remedies

Know the symptoms of tomato flu well in advance, so that if ever you notice the symptoms of tomato flu in your child, you can consult your doctor immediately. Avoid trying any home remedies. A delay in the treatment can worsen the situation for your child. Thus, it is always a good option to consult the doctor immediately. Some of the common symptoms of tomato flu that you can look for are:

• Irritating skin
• Presence of red blisters on your skin
• Runny nose
• Joint pain
• Stomach pain
• Body pain
• Vomiting 
• High fever
• Cold and flu
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea 

10 Other Symptoms of Tomato Fever include: 

1. Rashes 
2. Dehydration 
3. Nausea 
4. Abdominal Cramps
5. Discoloration of Hands, Knees, and Buttocks
6. Coughing 
7. Sneezing 
8. Dry Mouth 
9. Irritation in the Mouth or Throat 
10. Inflammation 

Is Tomato Fever Dangerous? 

Tomato fever is a respiratory viral infection that is less dangerous or serious than a life-threatening disease. With proper care and treatment, an infected person recovers well. However, people with weak immune systems are at greater risk of managing tomato fever symptoms. Therefore, an infected person with a weak immune system must seek treatment. 

How to Prevent Tomato Fever? 

The best option is to prevent tomato flu symptoms from becoming a life-threatening disease. Although there is no prescribed treatment for tomato fever, certain precautionary measures can help. 

• Avoid being in close contact with an infected person. 
• Keep checking your immunity with a blood test. People with a weak immune system are at high risk of tomato fever. 
• Maintain proper hygiene. 
• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing. 
• Take bathe with warm water. 
• Add immunity boosters and multivitamins to your diet. 
• Educate your child about taking preventive measures like avoiding sucking their thumbs or picking their nose. 
• Keep yourself and your child hydrated by consuming plenty of water, juice, or herbal tea. 
• Educate people about the symptoms of tomato fever so that they can avoid people exhibiting them. 

How to Treat Tomato Flu? 

Tomato flu is a self-limiting disease; no specific medicine exists for treating tomato fever. The fever spreads 5 to 7 days after the symptoms appear. It is advisable to seek medical consultation and initiate treatment. 

Some health experts say the treatment is similar to dengue or chikungunya. Staying hydrated, maintaining proper hygiene, and using hot water sponges to soothe rashes are some common tomato fever treatments. Additionally, a healthcare provider may recommend medications like paracetamol to treat tomato fever. These medications help treat symptoms like body pain and fever. 

Causes of Tomato Flu 

A major cause of tomato fever is Coxsackievirus A-6 and A-16, a part of the enterovirus group. Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) are two types of coxsackieviruses that can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). They are both enteroviruses that belong to the Picornaviridae family of viruses. Besides, chikungunya, dengue fever, and other infections also cause tomato fever. 

Health Complications Associated with Tomato Fever

If carried forward, tomato fever symptoms may lead to certain health complications. These include: 

• Dehydration 
• Bacterial Infection 
• Meningitis or Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain or spinal cord) 
• Myocarditis or Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or its lining)

Takeaway

Tomato flu is currently confined to parts of Kerala only. But it is suspected that the viral infection can reach other parts of the country as well. Currently, all the people crossing the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border are screened for the presence of the tomato fever virus. As the virus affects particularly small children, it is recommended that you take all the safety measures to protect your child from the viral infection. Now that you know the major steps that you should take to save your child from the tomato fever virus, make sure you follow them all and keep yourself and your family safe from the viral infection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How does tomato fever spread?

Tomato fever is a contagious viral infection that spreads through touch, that is, you come in contact with someone who is already infected with tomato fever virus.

• How many days does tomato fever last?

Usually, the symptoms of tomato flu subside in around 7-10 days.

• Can tomato fever affect adults?

Yes, adults are also susceptible to tomato fever. However, currently, it is only reported in children below 5 years of age.

• Is Tomato Fever Contagious? 

Yes, tomato fever is the same as the other flu and is contagious. To prevent the spread of the disease, isolate the infected child. 

• Should you be worried about Tomato Fever? 

Health experts have suggested that tomato fever symptoms are not lethal and can be treated. However, it is contagious, so avoid coming in close contact with an infected child. 

• What do you do when your child gets infected? 

Take the following preventive measures as soon as you discover symptoms of tomato fever in your child. 

• Keep your child hydrated by drinking boiled water. 
• Use warm water for bathing your child. 
• Avoid being in close contact with the infected person. 
• Contact the doctor immediately. 
• Maintain proper hygiene. 
• To prevent the flu from spreading, clean and sanitize the clothes, utensils, and other items the infected child uses. 

• How can tomato flu be treated? 

Currently, there is no specific medical drug for treating tomato fever. Therefore, managing symptomatically solves this disease. 

• How to prevent tomato flu's spread? 

Maintain proper hygiene, notice the symptoms, and avoid close contact with the infected person. These are some ways you can prevent the spread of tomato fever. 

• Is tomato fever connected with COVID-19? 

The symptoms of tomato fever may be similar to that of COVID-19. However, tomato flu and COVID-19 are in no way connected. Both are viral infections, which is why they cause similar symptoms.