We are seeing so many cases of hand-foot-mouth disease, tomato flu, monkeypox, viral flu, and dengue in our vicinity. The increasing number of these is a matter of concern with respect to children. Many times, we usually get confused with them because of their overlapping symptoms. The best way to differentiate easily between them is to have a deep understanding of what it is. Let’s discover some common and differentiators between tomato flu and monkeypox and in a way thereby create awareness towards preventive healthcare.

Tomato flu

It is a kind of hand-foot-mouth disease. Initially, the cases were seen in Kerala and Odisha. The name tomato comes from the fact that the disease causes red rashes and blisters which look like a tomato. It is a contagious and self-limiting disease and there is no drug available that treats it. 

Tomato flu is known to be caused by a virus but the exact cause is still unknown. The virus transmits the disease from infected kids to healthy children. Playing, sitting nearby, and touching can all spread this disease.

Tomato flu Symptoms

Its symptoms more or less overlap with the symptoms of chikungunya. 

• Tomato-like red blisters
• Rashes
• Itching of skin
• Mouth sores
• High-grade fever
• Swelling and pain in the joints
• Bodyache
• Dehydration
• Lethargy

Monkeypox

It is a viral zoonotic disease and is less severe than smallpox. The symptoms are somewhat similar to smallpox. Smallpox was exterminated in 1980. But after the discontinuation of its immunizations, monkeypox has taken over the place of smallpox as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health. Monkeypox, which mostly affects central and west Africa, has been moving into urban areas and is frequently observed near tropical rainforests. Animals are hosted by a variety of rodent species and non-human primates.

Monkeypox is known to be caused by a variety of species like dormice, rope, Gambian pouched rats, tree squirrels, and other species. Very less information regarding its specific origin has been gathered till now, and much more needs to be investigated. 

The transmission of this viral disease takes place through direct contact with an infected animal, person, or thing. It spreads between people through respiratory secretions, sexual contact, and bodily fluids. Coming in direct contact with contaminated objects or the belongings of ill people can cause the disease.

Monkeypox Symptoms

The onset of symptoms may be seen after several days or weeks of exposure. 

• Chills
• Lymph nodes swelling
• Headache
• Fever
• Pain in muscles
• Lethargy

For a better picture (knowledge), always consult your doctor before you try something and take proper preventive measures to lower the risk of contracting the disease. 

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)