Tomato flu or tomato fever is characterised by fever, joint pain, and red, tomato-like rashes usually seen in children below the age of five years. 

This is accompanied by other symptoms of viral fevers such as diarrhoea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue.

Is there a treatment for tomato flu?

There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for the disease. Those with the infection are treated symptomatically, such as prescription of paracetamol for fever.

How to Prevent Tomato Flu?

Centre’s advisory to states that was issued on Tuesday focuses on prevention in children as they have been most affected. 

As per the advisory, anyone suspected to have the infection should remain in isolation for five to seven days after the onset of the symptoms.

Children must not hug or touch other children with fever or rashes. 

The children should be encouraged to maintain hygiene, stop thumb or finger sucking, and use a handkerchief for a running nose. 

If a child develops symptoms, they should be isolated, their utensils, clothing, and bedding must be regularly sanitised, they must be kept hydrated, and the blisters must be cleaned using warm water, according to the advisory.