Rotavirus is an infection that causes loose, watery stools and other intestinal symptoms.
It’s most common in infants and young children.
However, it can also affect older children, adults, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
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Rotavirus is highly contagious and easily transmitted among young children.
you’re able to also pick it up from contaminated surfaces or direct contact with someone infected.
However, a child’s first infection tends to cause the most severe symptoms.
The most severe cases tend to occur among unvaccinated children aged 3 months to 3 years old.
This may be due to repeated exposures and antibody responses that protect against more severe diseases.
The vaccine became available in the United States in 2006.
Neither vaccination nor previous infection offers 100% protection against contracting rotavirus.
However, vaccinated children are less likely to get sick from it.
Almost all babies vaccinated are protected from severe diarrhea due to rotavirus.
Vaccination Schedule
Therotavirus vaccineis administered orally by putting drops in the mouth.
Depending on the brand of vaccine, infants should get two or three doses.
The first dose should occur before the child reaches 15 weeks and the last by 8 months.
A baby can get the vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.
It’s important to attempt to prevent dehydration.Antibioticsare drugs that fight bacteria, not viruses.
They are ineffective against rotavirus and may even cause more diarrhea.
Home Management
Watch for signs of dehydration, the most dangerous complication of rotavirus.
Risk of Contagiousness
it’s possible for you to spread the virus before symptoms appear.
How to Minimize Transmission
Rotavirus is shed in stools and spreads through close person-to-person contact.
For example, you change asoiled diaper, then touch your mouth.
It can also spread through contaminated objects and surfaces, such as toys or diaper pails.
Be sure to drink plenty of liquids.
Note that the correct amount may depend on your child’s weight.
A pharmacist or other healthcare provider can answer your questions and concerns.
Severe dehydration may require hospitalization and treatment withintravenous (IV) fluids.
Although anyone can get it, rotavirus mainly affects infants and young children.
The illness usually resolves with home care, such as rest and plenty of fluids.
The main complication is dehydration.
There are vaccines to help prevent rotavirus.
They don’t fully protect against infection, but vaccinated children are much less likely to get sick.
And almost every vaccinated child has protection from severe, life-threatening diarrhea.
Most infants should get their first dose of the oral vaccine before 15 weeks of age.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Frequently asked questions about rotavirus.
Cedars-Sinai.Rotavirus infection in children.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rotavirus.
National Institutes of Health.Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About norovirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of rotavirus.
World Health Organization.Rotavirus infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Rotavirus vaccination.
