Rotavirus

Description

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea. Before the development of a vaccine, most children have been infected with the virus at least once by the age of 5 years.

Although rotavirus infections are unpleasant, usually, you can treat this infection at home with the excess fluids to prevent dehydration. Occasionally, severe dehydration requires the reception of fluids through a vein (intravenously) in the hospital.

Good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, that is important. But vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with rotavirus.

Symptoms

A rotavirus infection usually begins within two days of exposure to the virus. The first symptoms are fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well.

In healthy adults, a rotavirus infection can cause mild signs and symptoms or none at all.

When to see a doctor

Call your child's doctor if your child:

  • You have diarrhea for more than 24 hours
  • Vomiting often
  • It has the color black or color of your stool, or stools containing blood or pus
  • It has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
  • It seems tired, irritable, or pain
  • Have signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as dry mouth, crying without tears, little or no urine, drowsiness, unusual, or lack of response

If you're an adult, call your doctor if you:

  • Can't keep liquids down for 24 hours
  • You have diarrhea for more than two days
  • You have blood in vomit or bowel movements
  • It has a temperature above 103 F (39.4 C)
  • Have signs or symptoms of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness on standing, or lightheadedness

Causes

Rotavirus is present in an infected person's stool, two days before symptoms appear and up to 10 days after symptoms lessen. The virus is easily spread through hand to mouth contact during this time — even if the infected person has no symptoms.

If you have the rotavirus and do not wash their hands after using the toilet or your child has rotavirus, and do not wash their hands after changing your child's diaper or help your child to use the toilet — the virus can spread to everything it touches, including food, toys, and kitchen utensils. If another person touches your hand-washing or a contaminated object and then touching the mouth, an infection may follow. The virus can remain infectious on surfaces that have not been disinfected for weeks or months.

It is possible to be infected with the rotavirus more than once, even if you have been vaccinated. However, the repetition of the infections are usually less severe.

Risk factors

Rotavirus infections are common in children ages 3 to 35 months — particularly those who spend time in child care settings. Older adults and the adults who care for young children have an increased risk of infection.

In the united States, the risk of rotavirus is the highest in winter and spring.

Complications

Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in young children. Left untreated, dehydration can become a life-threatening condition, regardless of its cause.

Prevention

To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the bathroom, changing your child's diaper or help your child to use the toilet. But even strict hand-washing does not offer any type of warranty. And commonly used alcohol-based hand sanitizers have little effect on rotavirus.

The World Health Organization recommended that all countries give infants a rotavirus vaccine. There are two vaccines available:

  • RotaTeq. This vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often, at 2, 4 and 6 months. The vaccine is not approved for use in older children or adults.
  • Rotarix. This vaccine is a liquid that is administered in two doses to children at the ages of 2 months and 4 months.

Vaccines are considered safe and effective, and studies show that preventing thousands of children in developing countries rotavirus each year. However, on rare occasions, can cause that part of the intestine is folded on itself (intussusception), possibly resulting in life-threatening intestinal obstruction.

Children who have had intussusception are more likely to have back after receive the rotavirus vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration recommended that the vaccine should not be given to children who have a history of intussusception.

For children who do not have a history of intussusception, there is a very small risk that it can develop after the rotavirus vaccine is given. Even so, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks.

If your child has stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in your stool, or a change in bowel movements after receiving the rotavirus vaccine, contact your doctor immediately.

Rotavirus

Diagnosis

There are many diseases that cause diarrhea. Therefore, although the rotavirus is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination, a stool sample analysis can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is No specific treatment for rotavirus infection. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs do not help to rotavirus infection. The infection usually resolves within three to seven days.

Prevention of dehydration is the main concern. To prevent dehydration, while the virus runs its course, drink plenty of fluids. If your child has severe diarrhea, ask your doctor about an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte — especially if the diarrhea lasts more than a couple of days.

For children, a rehydration solution can replace the loss of minerals more effectively than water or other liquids. Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in the hospital.

Antidiarrheal medications are not recommended for a rotavirus infection.

Self-care

If your baby is sick, offer small amounts of liquid. If you are breast-feeding, breast-feed your baby.

If your baby drinks formula, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration solution or the normal formula. Do not dilute the baby's bottle.

If your older child doesn't feel well, encourage him to rest. Offer soft foods that do not contain added sugar, such as whole-grain bread or crackers, lean meats, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.

Plenty of fluids are important, too, including an oral rehydration solution. Avoid soda, apple juice, dairy products, other than yogurt, and sugary foods, which can make diarrhea worse.

Avoid anything that may irritate your stomach, including spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

Preparing for your appointment

If you or your child needs to see a doctor, it is likely that you see your primary care provider first. If there is doubt about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist or infectious disease specialist.

What you can do

Prepare a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. Some questions that you can ask your doctor or your child's doctor include:

  • What is the likely cause of these symptoms? There are other possible causes?
  • There is a need for tests?
  • What is the best treatment approach? Are there alternatives?
  • There is a need to take some medication?
  • How can I relieve the symptoms?

What to expect from your doctor

Some of the questions the doctor may ask include:

  • When did symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or come and go?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Nothing seems to improve the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Drink plenty of fluids. Go back to eating a healthy diet, the restriction of sugars and fats, as soon as possible. If your child is sick, follow the same approach.

If you are breastfeeding or using formula, continue to feed your child, as usual. Ask the doctor if your child give your child an oral rehydration solution is appropriate.

Symptoms and treatment of Rotavirus