Although we have heard the word Rotavirus many times during pediatric appointments, especially in emergency visits, we often don’t really know what it is, other than what it causes in our children.
Rotavirus is a virus identified by its circular shape, which is how it got its name. It is the main cause of diarrhea in children and is commonly known as a viral infection. This virus can affect both children and adults, but it causes greater weakness in children up to the age of 2, presenting more severely in this age group.
Rotavirus is a highly contagious disease, spreading through direct contact between children, sharing toys, sharing cups and cutlery, personal objects, through water, food, or even simply by being in the same environment as another infected child. That is why the only way to prevent infection in 98% of cases among children is the rotavirus vaccine.
Where to Get the Rotavirus Vaccine
The Rotavirus vaccine is offered for free at health clinics and is administered orally. It is already part of the official vaccination schedule and not only protects children by preventing infection, but can also ease more severe symptoms like diarrhea.
Rotavirus Symptoms
Rotavirus is a disease that can present with serious symptoms or no signs at all. When symptoms do appear, they can be mild or severe and may require extra medical attention.
The main symptoms of rotavirus are:
- Foul-smelling diarrhea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Dehydration (in more severe cases)
Symptoms of More Severe Cases
In more severe cases of rotavirus, the child may have difficulty breathing, sore throat accompanied by dry cough and runny nose. Symptoms usually last from 3 to 8 days and go away as days pass.
Video about rotavirus
How to Treat Rotavirus
In milder cases of rotavirus, the only medical recommendation is to keep the child hydrated and provide a lighter, healthier diet. Juices, water, and especially breast milk play a powerful role in the child’s recovery, but the pediatrician may recommend the use of oral rehydration solutions.
There are rehydration solutions with various flavors that are easily found in pharmacies and make it easier for children to drink them without much effort, or if you prefer, homemade oral rehydration can be easily prepared at home, as long as the correct quantities are strictly followed for preparation.
When you notice signs of irritability, excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, and absence of tears in the child, a doctor should be sought immediately as these are signs of dehydration and, if not treated with utmost attention, it can progress to a severe condition and the child may die. In more severe cases, the child will need hospital care for better treatment, so they can receive intravenous hydration and closer monitoring of their condition.
How to Prevent Infection
To prevent rotavirus infection, it is recommended to practice good hygiene, always washing hands after changing diapers, drinking mineral or properly treated water, and only giving the child food prepared with maximum hygiene. Well-cleaned utensils and kitchenware, as well as well-washed fruits and vegetables, are also essential for good health.
See also: Childhood Vaccination – Lifelong Protection
Photo: Bob Reck, Prefeitura de Olindaf
_ Caixa de Informações Chave:
- Rotavirus is a virus identified by its circular shape, which is how it got its name. It is the main cause of diarrhea in children and is commonly known as a viral infection.
- Rotavirus is a highly contagious disease and spreads through direct contact between children, sharing toys, sharing cups and cutlery, personal objects.
- The Rotavirus vaccine is offered for free at health clinics and is given orally; it is already part of the official vaccination schedule.
- In mild cases of rotavirus, the only medical recommendation is to keep the child hydrated and provide a lighter, healthier diet.
- To prevent rotavirus infection, it is recommended to practice good hygiene, always washing hands after changing diapers, drinking mineral or properly treated water.
