Dr. Zulfaqar Murtaza is a Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Kurji Holy Family Hospital, Patna, Bihar. For the past 13 years, he has been working in this field.

Tomato flu

Tomato flu is like red painful blisters that gradually enlarge to the size of a tomato. The cases of tomato fever are increasing multi fold. It is a mild viral infection caused by the coxsackie A 16 virus. The exact reason is still unknown. The presentation is more like dengue fever and chikungunya.

Tomato flu symptoms 

It is more common in children aged 1-10 years and below. It shows symptoms like

• High-grade fever
• Body ache
• Vomiting
• Painful blisters all over the body
• Diarrhea
• Itching
• Cough and cold
• Joint pain

Preventing tomato flu

• Keeping the child isolated for at least 7 days. 
• Proper sanitation and vaccination also provide protection against tomato flu.
• No long-term complications have been associated with it. 

Warning signs for tomato flu

If cough and cold persist for long and subsequently cause respiratory-related problems, then it might cause major complications. In this case. Parents must take their children to doctors without any delay. 

FAQs

1. Is tomato flu life-threatening?

No cases have been seen of so.

2. Is tomato flu contagious?

It is too contagious in immunocompromised children or adults,

3. Are adults also at risk of contracting tomato flu?

If the adult’s immunity is compromised, they are at higher risk of contracting the viral disease. 

(Edited by Renu Gupta)