BE ALERTED ON TOMATO FLU:SCIENCETINE

                - Caused by Coxsackie virus A 16.

        Tomato Flu is a viral disease that has spread around India. More than 82 cases are reported from some districts in India. This viral disease is more similar to Monkeypox rather than Covid-19 as people who get infected with Tomato Flu also develop skin rashes, fever like Monkeypox.

This hand, foot and mouth disease can be diagnosed among the children between the age of one and five. This flu easily spreads through an infected person’s nose and throat secretions, poop and fluid from blisters.

Symptoms:

Scientists are still figuring this out. But there are specific symptoms that could be observed so far. They are,

•  Rapid increase in body temperature 

•  Severe body aches 

•  Redness or rash with persistent itching

•  Painful blisters

•  Fatigue

                                         

        Above symptoms can get confused with the symptoms of Monkeypox as they are more similar. The difference between Monkeypox and Tomato Flu is that Tomato Flu is a human disease and Monkeypox virus is carried by other animals.

Treatment:

            Tomato Flu is also a self -limited infection as the same as the Monkeypox, which means it can get cured on its own without any medicines. It is important to maintain the hydration level of a Tomato flu infected patient by giving fluids along with a nutritious diet. Paracetamol and aspirin are prescribed to lower the body temperature.

 Except that the patient is advised to be in isolation to avoid the spreading Tomato flu. Wearing masks, proper sanitation and hygiene, having a balanced diet with proper rest are preventive measures against Tomato flu to limit its spread.