Just as we are dealing with the probable emergence of fourth wave of COVID-19, a new virus known as tomato flu, or tomato fever, has emerged in India in the state of Kerala in children younger than 5 years. The rare viral infection is in an endemic state and is considered non-life-threatening; however, because of the dreadful experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vigilant management is desirable to prevent further outbreaks.

Now that Malaysia is in the endemic phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, with restrictions relaxed, cases are expected to rise as people move about freely and let their guard down, either by unmasking or failing to maintain strict hand hygiene.

It is known globally as "seasonal influenza" because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year. Comparatively, influenza circulates all year-round in tropical and subtropical regions such as Malaysia.

This occasionally leads to cluster outbreaks, some of which can be major.

Unlike Covid-19, tomato flu may not always be thought of by most people as a serious illness –symptoms such as headache, runny nose, cough and muscle pain can make people confuse it with the common cold.

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BE CAUTIOUS

High risk groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant ladies, those with chronic illnesses such as hypertension or diabetes and immunocompromised patients (those with low immune system and minimal ability to fight off infections and diseases) are likely to get badly infected.

"People with stronger immunity often suffer from milder symptoms and recover faster."

Similar to Covid-19, the tomato flu virus in general is highly contagious in nature. Its mode of transmission is through the spread of droplets of different sizes such as respiratory droplets (small droplets).

Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in in close contact (within 1 metre) of someone who has respiratory symptoms (such as coughing or sneezing) and is therefore at risk of having his/her mucosae (mouth and nose) or conjunctiva (eyes) exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.

Vaccination is suitable for individuals above 6 months old and is recommended to be taken yearly as the contents of the influenza vaccine will change gradually based on the World Health Organisation's prediction of most possible influenza virus strains in the coming year.Other than vaccination, personal hygiene plays an important role too. Frequent hand washing, constant usage of hand sanitisers, social distancing and proper cough etiquette help prevent respiratory illnesses and stop the spread of germs.

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Parents of school going children should ensure that their schools and childcare facilities are kept clean, especially frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Parents should also ensure that their children have a good supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs or disposable wipes when they are at school or out of the home so they can maintain good hand hygiene at all times.

Our immune system is designed to protect our body from "outside invaders" in the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins. When our immune system is compromised, it can be deadly.

Viruses, by nature, are constantly mutating, essentially putting on ever-changing "disguises" to evade our immune system. The same goes for influenza.

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Symptoms of Covid-19, influenza and Tomato Flu

Fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, body ache, breathlessness, diarrhoea and vomiting.

The severity of these symptoms varies, largely depending on the person's immunity.

Remain vigilant against Covid-19, Influenza and Tomato Flu. Keep up with your immune booster with that, you can increase your immune system capacity and prevent all that unwanted journey of any flu. Do know that, as you travel, COVID 19 tests are done randomly at the airport, to avoid any travelling disturbances, please upgrade the health of your family

Refrence :

nst.com.my

webmd.org

healthaide.com