Tomato flu, one of the epidemic diseases, shows similar findings to other virus-borne infections. The tomato flu virus usually causes illness in young children. It is an infection that can be transmitted by contact. It is important to make a good distinction because the symptoms are similar to other flu diseases. Tomato flu got its name because red blisters that can reach the size of a tomato appear on the skin. In fact, it is not a disease transmitted through tomatoes. To prevent this disease, it may be necessary to avoid direct contact with infected people and to isolate the sick person.
What is Tomato Flu (Tomato Flu)?
Tomato flu is a viral disease that occurs in children under the age of five. . 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 younger than 5 years of age. The tomato flu virus is transmitted from person to person by respiratory route. Although signs of the disease usually occur in young children, it can also be seen in adults. The reason why this disease is named Tomato flu is that the most obvious symptom of the disease is blisters that appear on the skin and can reach the size of a tomato. It is not a disease transmitted by touching or eating tomatoes. Since its symptoms are similar to the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and the Monkey Pox virus, the name Tomato flu is used to avoid confusion with this disease. may cause red blisters to appear. Other symptoms may include fever, weakness, redness, 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 that relieve symptoms such as pain and fever can be applied. Tomato flu is a self-healing disease.
Because it is a contagious disease, it can spread rapidly. For this reason, in order to prevent the spread of the virus of people and countries, They need to pay attention to the rules of the ntina. Quarantine conditions may be applied in epidemics. Tomato flu can also occur within the borders of Türkiye. For this reason, necessary precautions should be taken when visiting other countries or meeting people who come to our country from abroad.
What are the Symptoms and Symptoms of Tomato Flu?
Tomato flu is a viral disease. It can often cause symptoms similar to hand, foot and mouth disease. Some symptoms of the disease are also similar to the Covid-19 and Monkeypox outbreaks. It is necessary to distinguish these diseases well. Among the signs and symptoms of tomato flu are the following:
- Red, liquid-filled and painful blisters that can reach the size of a tomato, mostly appearing on the skin of the hands, feet and hips (This is the most obvious symptom of tomato flu.),
- High fever,
- Joint pains,
- Weakness,
- Redness and irritation of the skin,
- skin rash,
- Fatigue,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Dehydration (water loss)
- Joint swelling,
- Body pain,
- Flu symptoms similar to dengue fever.
Is Tomato Flu Virus Contagious?
Like all flu infections, tomato flu is also a contagious disease. It can be transmitted through person-to-person contact. Especially in young children, where the transmission rate of flu diseases is high, In children aged 1 to 5 years, the risk of transmission of this disease may be high. Causes of tomato flu include direct contact with the infected person and not paying attention to hygiene rules. Shared use of personal belongings, touching and kissing people with tomato flu symptoms may increase the risk of transmission of the disease. Although it is an epidemic that is mostly seen in children, there may be a possibility of spreading to adults if preventive 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 a high fever or malaise should be examined for suspected Tomato flu. Tomato flu can be made as a preliminary diagnosis for people with these findings. Molecular and serological tests should be used together with blood analysis for definitive diagnosis. As a result of these tests, other flu diseases can be eliminated and the diagnosis of tomato flu can be made. Currently, there is no specific test for this virus.
Ways of Protection from Tomato Flu Virus
Tomato flu is a viral disease, so 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 that provides protection against this virus yet. In order to be protected from tomato flu, public awareness should be increased and people should protect themselves against the virus. For this disease, the name Tomato flu is used because red blisters that can reach the size of a tomato can be seen on the body. It is not a disease transmitted by tomatoes in the true sense. For this reason, not touching or not eating tomatoes does not protect the person from the disease. Among the ways of protection from the tomato flu virus are the following:
- Personal items such as toys, clothes, bedding should be cleaned frequently and not used by others.
- Close contact should not be made with people who have or are suspected of carrying the tomato flu virus.
- Social distance rules should 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.
- Condoms should be used for venous sexual intercourse.
- Plenty of water should be consumed and attention should be paid to a healthy diet.
- People receiving treatment that weakens the immune system such as chemotherapy and cortisone should use personal protective equipment in the community.
Tomato Flu Treatment
Tomato flu is not a curable disease. Although there is no specific antiviral drug or vaccine for this disease, treatments to relieve symptoms can be applied. As with other flu diseases, people with symptoms may be advised to rest, isolate themselves, consume plenty of fluids and pay attention to their diet. In addition, if there are disturbing findings, pain relievers and antipyretic drugs may be prescribed by the doctor. The disease is self-limiting and improvement can be seen within a few weeks. Although it is a disease without serious consequences such as death, children and people with weakened immune systems should be careful.
Tomato flu can be transmitted through contact. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, epidemic prevention rules may need to be applied. Tomato flu can also be seen in Türkiye. For this reason, it is important for people traveling to areas where the flu occurs to protect themselves, in order to prevent the spread of the virus. It is important for those who have come into contact with people infected or thought to be infected with the tomato flu virus to self-isolate and monitor for a while. If you experience symptoms such as red blisters on the body, skin irritation, high fever that does not go away, fatigue, stomach discomfort, immediately apply to the emergency service of the nearest health institution.
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