Tomato flu, one of the epidemic diseases, shows symptoms similar to other virus-related infections. Tomato flu virus usually causes illness in young children. It is an infection that can be transmitted through contact. Since its symptoms are similar to other flu diseases, it is important to differentiate it well. It is called Tomato flu because red blisters that can reach the size of tomatoes appear on the skin. In fact, it is not a disease transmitted through tomatoes. To protect against this disease, it may be necessary to avoid direct contact with infected people and isolate the sick person.
What is Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a viral disease that occurs in children under five years of age. It is also known as Tomato flu or Tomato fever. It was first identified in Kollam-Kerala on May 6, 2022. It has been reported to be detected in more than 82 children under the age of 5. Tomato flu virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory transmission. Although disease symptoms usually appear in young children, it can also be seen in adults. The reason why this disease is called Tomato flu is that the most obvious symptom of the disease is blisters that appear on the skin and can reach the size of tomatoes. It is not a disease transmitted by touching or eating tomatoes. Since its symptoms are similar to Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and Monkey Pox
virus, the name Tomato flu is used to avoid confusion with this disease. Tomato flu disease, also known as tomato fever, can cause red, fluid-filled blisters to appear on the skin, especially on the hands, feet and hips. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, rash, and joint pain. It is transmitted through direct contact, especially among young children. Although tomato flu is most common in children between the ages of 1 and 5, it can also occur in adults with low immunity. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but treatments can be applied to relieve symptoms such as pain and fever. Tomato flu is a disease that can heal on its own.
Since it is an infectious disease, it can spread rapidly. Therefore, people and countries need to pay attention to quarantine rules to prevent the spread of the virus. Quarantine conditions may be applied in epidemic diseases. Tomato flu may also occur within Türkiye’s borders. For this reason, necessary precautions should be taken when people visit other countries or meet with people coming to our country from abroad.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a disease caused by a virus. It can often cause symptoms similar to hand, foot and mouth disease. Some symptoms of the disease are similar to Covid-19 and Monkey Pox epidemics. It is necessary to distinguish these diseases well. Tomato flu symptoms and signs may include:
- Red, fluid-filled and painful blisters that can reach the size of tomatoes and appear mostly on the skin of the hands, feet and hips (the most obvious symptom of tomato flu).
- High fever,
- joint pains,
- Weakness,
- Redness and irritation on the skin,
- skin rash,
- Tiredness,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Dehydration (loss of water)
- swelling in joints,
- body pain,
- Flu symptoms similar to dengue fever.
The spread of contact-borne diseases among children can be very rapid. Tomato flu symptoms may be similar to diseases such as Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, Zika virus, Shingles and herpes. It can also be confused with other infectious childhood diseases. In order to distinguish the tomato flu virus from other viruses, molecular tests and blood tests must be performed on patients with these findings. Thanks to a definitive diagnosis, the prevalence of Tomato flu can be determined. In addition, it can contribute to the literature on definitive diagnosis of the disease, treatment and findings. Once symptoms begin to be observed, patients should be isolated for a week to prevent the virus from spreading to other people. People who travel abroad and have weak immune systems are especially at risk.
Is Tomato Flu Virus Contagious?
Like all flu infections, Tomato flu is an infectious disease. It can be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Since the rate of transmission of influenza diseases is high, especially in young children, the risk of transmission of this disease may be higher 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 items, touching and kissing people with tomato flu symptoms may increase the risk of transmission of the disease. Although it is an epidemic mostly seen in children, it may spread to adults if protective measures are not taken.
How to Diagnose Tomato Flu?
Red bumps may appear on the body after contact with people infected with the virus. In addition, anyone with high fever or fatigue should be examined for suspicion of Tomato flu. People with these findings may be diagnosed with Tomato flu as a preliminary diagnosis. For a definitive diagnosis, molecular and serological tests should be used along with blood tests. As a result of these tests, tomato flu can be diagnosed by eliminating other flu diseases. There is currently no specific test for this virus.
Ways to Protect from Tomato Flu Virus
Since 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 his personal belongings are not used by other people. There is no medicine or vaccine yet that provides protection against this virus. To protect against tomato flu, public awareness should be increased and people should protect themselves against the virus. This disease is called Tomato flu because red blisters the size of tomatoes can be seen on the body. It is not truly a disease transmitted by tomatoes. Therefore, not touching or eating tomatoes does not protect the person from the disease. Ways to protect yourself from the tomato flu virus include:
- Personal belongings such as toys, clothes, and bedding should be cleaned frequently and should not be used by others.
- Close contact should not be made with people who carry or are suspected of carrying the tomato flu virus.
- Social distance rules must be followed in closed areas.
- Unclean surfaces should not be touched and these surfaces should be disinfected.
- Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water.
- Hygiene rules must be followed.
- A condom should be used for safe sexual intercourse.
- Plenty of water should be consumed and attention should be paid to a healthy diet.
- People receiving treatments that weaken the immune system, such as chemotherapy and cortisone, should use personal protective equipment in public.
Tomato Flu Treatment
Tomato flu is not a treatable disease. Although there is no antiviral drug or vaccine specific to this disease, treatments to relieve symptoms can be applied. As with other flu diseases, the doctor may advise people with symptoms to rest, isolate themselves, drink plenty of fluids and pay attention to their nutrition. In addition, if there are disturbing symptoms, the doctor may prescribe painkillers and antipyretic drugs to patients. The disease is self-limiting and recovery can be seen within a few weeks. Although it is a disease that does not have serious consequences such as death, children and people with weak immune systems need to be careful.
Tomato flu can be transmitted through contact. It may be necessary to apply epidemic disease prevention rules to prevent the spread of the disease. Tomato flu can also be seen in Türkiye. Therefore, it is important for people traveling to regions where flu occurs to protect themselves in order to prevent the spread of the virus. It is important for those who have been in contact with people infected or thought to be infected with the tomato flu virus to isolate and monitor themselves for a period of time. If you experience symptoms such as red blisters on the body, skin irritation, persistent high fever, weakness, stomach discomfort, immediately contact the emergency department of the nearest health institution.
