In the recent Lancet Respiratory Journal, doctors have sounded an alarm over the "emergence of a new non-life-threatening" virus called tomato flu among children below five years of age. The doctors stated that the flu was first identified in the Kollam district of Kerala on May 6, 2022, and as of July 26, "more than 82 children younger than 5 years with the infection have been reported by the local government hospitals."

The ‘tomato flu’ is caused by the Coxsackie virus A 16. It belongs to the enterovirus family. The primary symptoms observed in children with tomato flu are similar to those of chikungunya, which include high fever, rashes, and intense pain in the joints. As with other viral infections, further symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, swelling of joints, body aches, and common influenza-like symptoms, which are similar to those manifested in dengue. Because tomato flu is similar to chikungunya and dengue as well as hand, foot, and mouth diseases, the treatment is also similar, i.e., isolation, rest, plenty of fluids, and a hot water sponge for the relief of irritation and rashes. Supportive therapy of paracetamol for fever and body aches and other symptomatic treatments are required.

Lancet’s study showed that the infection was similar to other types of influenza. It showed that tomato flu is very contagious and children are at an increased risk of exposure to tomato flu as viral infections are common in this age group and spread is likely to be through close contact. Young children were also prone to infection through the use of nappies, touching unclean surfaces, and putting things directly into their mouths.