Rotavirus infection (patient information)

Rotavirus infection Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Rotavirus infection from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Xray
CT scan
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Rotavirus infection (patient information) On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Rotavirus infection (patient information) All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Rotavirus infection (patient information)
CDC on Rotavirus infection (patient information)
Rotavirus infection (patient information) in the news
Blogs on Rotavirus infection (patient information)
Directions to Hospitals Treating Rotavirus infection
Risk calculators and risk factors for Rotavirus infection (patient information)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Rotavirus is a virus that causes gastroenteritis. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. Almost all children in the U.S. are likely to be infected with rotavirus before their 5th birthday. Infections happen most often in the winter and spring. It is very easy for children with the virus to spread it to other children and sometimes to adults. Once a child gets the virus, it takes about two days to become sick. Vomiting and diarrhea may last from three to eight days. There is no medicine to treat it. To prevent dehydration, have your child drink plenty of liquids. Your health care provider may recommend oral rehydration drinks. Some children need to go to the hospital for IV fluids. Two vaccines against rotavirus infections are available.

What are the symptoms of rotavirus infection?

• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Symptoms of dehydration include:
  • Decrease in urination,
  • Dry mouth and throat and
  • Feeling dizzy when standing up
  • Cry with few or no tears and
  • Unusually sleepy or fussy
• Adults who get rotavirus disease tend to have milder symptoms.

Who is at highest risk?

• Those in child care centers or other settings with many young children are most at risk for infection.
• Unvaccinated children, aged 3 to 35 months old, can be severely infected by rota virus.
• Older adults have, to some extent, a risk of getting infected.
• Adults who are caring for infected children by rota virus.
• Immunocompromised patients like HIV patients.