Children are most likely to get rotavirus disease between November and May, depending on the part of the country in which they reside. The rapid loss of fluids that accompanies vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, during which the body does not have the water and salts or electrolytes it needs.
Babies under one year of age, and especially those who have a fever, become dehydrated most easily because of their smaller body weights. It is sometimes necessary for children to be rehydrated using intravenous fluids. In the most severe cases of dehydration, a child may even develop convulsions or go into shock, which in rare cases can be life threatening.
Rotavirus often begins with a mild fever and is followed by vomiting and an upset stomach, as well as increased amounts of watery diarrhea many times a day. Anyone caring for small children should know the symptoms of rotavirus, including:. If you think your child has rotavirus you should call a healthcare professional. Rotavirus in young children and babies can be very upsetting for parents as well as for the child, so quick recognition of its symptoms is very important. Rotavirus infections are common in children ages 3 to 35 months — particularly those who spend time in child care settings.
Older adults and adults caring for young children have an increased risk of infection as well. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children. Left untreated, dehydration can become a life-threatening condition regardless of its cause.
To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often — especially after you use the toilet, change your child's diaper or help your child use the toilet. But even strict hand-washing doesn't offer any guarantees. And commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizers have little effect on rotavirus. The World Health Organization recommends that all countries give infants a rotavirus vaccine. There are two vaccines available:.
The vaccines are considered safe and effective, and studies show that they prevent thousands of children from developing rotavirus every year. However, rarely, they can cause a part of the intestine to fold back on itself intussusception , resulting in possibly life-threatening intestinal blockage. Children who have had intussusception are more likely to have it again after receiving the rotavirus vaccine.
The U. Food and Drug Administration recommends that the vaccine not be given to children who have a history of intussusception. For children who don't have a history of intussusception, there is a very small risk that it can develop after the rotavirus vaccine is given. School-aged children are routinely exposed to a number of common childhood infections and illnesses. But always…. Visit The Symptom Checker.
Read More. Food Poisoning. Acute Bronchitis. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Home Diseases and Conditions Rotavirus. Table of Contents. What is rotavirus? What are the symptoms of rotavirus? Symptoms of dehydration include: Dry mouth and throat. Decreased urination. Crying with few or no tears. Sunken eyes or sunken soft spot on the top of the head. Unusual fussiness, sleepiness, or lethargy. What causes rotavirus?
The symptoms of rotavirus can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. He or she will give your child a physical exam.
Your child's stool may also be tested for the virus. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Antibiotics are not used to treat this illness. Medicines for diarrhea are also not recommended. Some healthcare providers may recommend probiotics. But their effectiveness is unclear. Giving your child plenty of water, formula, breastmilk, or fluids with electrolytes sugars and salts.
Don't give young children soda, juice, or sports drinks. Feeding your child solid foods if he or she can eat. Not having food may cause the diarrhea to last longer. If your child loses too much water, he or she may need to be in the hospital. Treatment there may include:.
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