PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
To prevent cases of tomato flu among children, the Health department is alert and has issued directions to the government hospitals in the Dehradun district. The Dehradun chief medical officer Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma stated that there have been no reported cases of tomato flu in Dehradun district so far. However, due to instances reported in other States, the department has heightened its vigilance. He said that an advisory has been circulated to all government hospitals in Dehradun district regarding this flu. The directive to hospital administrations is clear: if any child is observed with symptoms such as fever and rashes, they should be suspected of having tomato flu and tested immediately. Additionally, hospitals have been instructed to promptly report any positive cases to the Health department through the designated portal.
Sharma stated that the flu is most common among children up to 10 years of age because they have lower immunity. In these children, symptoms may include fever, rashes, ulcers in the oral cavity and others. To prevent this, if a child shows symptoms, it is important to immediately contact a doctor. The affected child should be isolated and parents should ensure that hygiene is maintained during this period. When going outside, children should wear masks in order to prevent themselves from the flu, he said.
Further, a paediatrician and medical superintendent at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Dr PS Rawat said that tomato flu is similar to a viral infection and spreads easily among children. Due to their low immunity, it particularly affects those aged five to 10 years. Symptoms include pink or red rashes, fever and itching.
To prevent the spread, parents should ensure hygiene among the children. If one child is suffering from this illness, others should maintain a safe distance. Rawat emphasised that if symptoms persist for more than a week and include fever or dehydration in the second week, parents should consult a doctor immediately. Additionally, careful attention should be given to ensuring an adequate liquid diet for the affected children, he added.
