As India struggles with the devastating coronavirus and the monkeypox, hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), also known as ‘Tomato Fever”, ‘ has become a growing concern. Till now, India has recorded 82 cases of viral infection, which was first reported on May 6 in Kollam, Kerala, mainly among children under the age of five, according to a report by The Lancet Respiratory Journal.

Tomato fever is a rare but deadly virus that is caused by enteroviruses. The name “tomato” fever is based on the size, shape and colour of the blisters which appear on the body. The infection has nothing to do with tomatoes but gets its name from the reddish blisters it causes – which resemble tomatoes. It is contagious and mainly affects children under the age of five. The good news is that tomato fever can be treated if it is detected early. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment of tomato fever. 

Causes of Tomato fever

The leading cause of the flu is still unknown, according to many health experts. It’s unclear whether this mysterious tomato fever is a viral infection or a side effect of health ailments like chikungunya or dengue fever. However, doctors are working on identifying the group of viruses that causes this disease in children. Meanwhile, there are a few things parents can do to help prevent their children from getting sick. First, make sure they’re up to date on all their vaccinations. Second, teach them good hygiene habits like washing their hands often and covering their mouths when they sneeze. Finally, try to limit their exposure to others who are sick. By taking these precautions, you can help reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu.

Symptoms

Tomato Fever is a dreaded disease that hits children the most. It is characterized by red blisters, rashes, and skin irritation which are accompanied by dehydration. Additionally, individuals may have fatigue, a change in the colour of their hands and legs, joint discomfort, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and coughing, among other symptoms.

It may also include fever, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms, such as cough and cold, along with headache. The chief signs of Tomato Fever in children include all the above-mentioned symptoms. If your child is suffering from any of these, then it is time to take him/her to the doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent the condition from worsening and causing irreparable damage. So do not delay and act now!

Treatment

A fever can be a worrying symptom for any parent, but it is important to remember that a fever is often the body’s way of fighting off infection. In most cases, the best course of action is to simply provide support and relief until the fever breaks. However, there are a few things that parents can do to help their children feel more comfortable. For example, 

• Bathing in lukewarm can help to soothe any skin irritation, and applying a lotion after a bath can further relieve dryness and itching.
• It is also important to make sure that the child stays hydrated by increasing their fluid intake. Experts suggest giving children infected with a fever lots of clean, boiled water to drink. 
• Finally, parents should keep an eye on any mouth sores, as they can be aggravated by spicy or salty foods. 
• Warm saline gargles may help to provide relief from blisters inside the mouth. 
• You should also avoid contact with other people to prevent the spread of the virus. 
• Avoid scratching the skin, as the infection can spread.
• Cleanliness and hygiene, like washing hands, should be maintained around children.
• Take enough rest throughout the day.
• Follow the medication prescribed by the doctor to bring the fever down.

By following these simple tips, parents can help their children feel more comfortable while waiting for the fever to break.

Do you think you might have tomato fever? If so, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a full recovery.

If you have any questions about tomato fever, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!