Tomato Flu: Children at risk amid monsoon surge
   Date :14-Jul-2025

Tomato Flu Children at
 
 
Staff Reporter ;
 
Amidst heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh, a new health challenge has emerged. Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, now commonly known as ‘Tomato Flu,’ is rapidly affecting young children. This viral illness is primarily observed in children aged 5 to 14 years, and its symptoms have raised concerns among parents and health experts. According to health experts, Tomato Flu is caused by enteroviruses and coxsackieviruses. In this disease, children develop red blisters and rashes resembling tomatoes on their hands, feet and mouth, hence its name. Earlier, this disease was only seen in children up to 10 years of age, but now adolescents aged 13 to 14 are also falling victim to it.
Symptoms include:
l High fever and headache
l Sore throat and mouth ulcers
l Fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite
l Red rashes and blisters on the face, palms, and soles
Dr Bhupeshwari Patel, In-charge of Paediatric Emergency Unit at AIIMS, Bhopal, stated that although no confirmed case of Tomato Flu has been
reported at AIIMS so far, an increase in viral diseases during monsoon is common. She said, “This disease is highly contagious, but it is self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own within 5 to 7 days. There is no need to panic, but caution is essential.” Dr Patel also clarified that this disease does not spread from tomatoes but is named so due to tomato-like blisters appearing on the skin.
How Does Tomato Flu Spread? 
l Through sneezing and coughing (via airborne droplets)
l Rapid spread among children with weak immune systems
l Contact with clothes, toys, and utensils of infected children
Essential Prevention Measures: 
Dr Patel has advised parents to take following precautions:
l Do not send sick children to school or public places.
l Contact a doctor immediately if symptoms appear.
l Provide children with adequate nutrition and fluids.
l Isolate the infected child from other children.
l Maintain special attention to hygiene.
Dr Patel mentioned that as virus mutates, its symptoms and effects also change. However, the good news is that no severe complications or deaths related to Tomato Flu have been reported in any child so far.