What is Rotavirus Infection? Symptoms of Rotavirus Infection?
April 27, 2021 Lifestyle Diseases 779 ViewsWhat is Rotavirus Infection?
Rotavirus infection commonly affects infants and newborns and causes severe diarrhea. This infection can be painful if it gets severe. In many cases, rotavirus infection does not require treatment because it resolves on its own within 3 to 10 days. Excessive vomiting and diarrhea may result in a lack of water in the body. In such a situation, the patient needs to be hospitalized to replenish the body fluids. Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of infant death in the world. However, this infection can be prevented by proper vaccination. Children and adults should wash their hands regularly and protect themselves against infections. Let us explain in detail about the causes, prevention, treatment and symptoms of Rotavirus infection in today’s article.
- What are the Causes of Rotavirus Infection?
- What are the Symptoms of Rotavirus Infection?
- Diagnosis of Rotavirus Infection
- What are the Treatments for Rotavirus Infection?
- Prevention of Rotavirus Infection
What are the Causes of Rotavirus Infection?
Rotavirus is present in the feces of an infected person 10 days before the symptoms appear. The virus spreads through hand-to-mouth contact throughout this time – even if the infected person does not have symptoms.
Rotavirus infection also spread if the infected person does not wash his hands after using the toilet. Also, if your child has rotavirus and you do not wash your hands after changing his diaper or after helping him use the toilet, the virus can spread to anything you touch, including food, toys, and utensils. If another person touches your unwashed hands or contaminated object and then touches his mouth, the infection can spread. If the area is not disinfected, the virus may remain contagious on surfaces for weeks or longer. As there are many types of rotavirus, even if you get vaccinated, it is possible to get infected more than once. However, repeated infections are usually less severe.(Read more – What are the causes of dehydration)
What are the Symptoms of Rotavirus Infection?
Initial symptoms of rotavirus infection may include fever and vomiting. This infection can last for 3 to 8 days, and during this time, thin diarrhea starts. There may be stomach aches and some other symptoms too. Some people do not notice any symptoms when they get infected by rotavirus.
According to some experts, if you see such symptoms in children, you should contact the doctor.
- If children have a fever above 103 degrees.
- Excessive diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Vomiting intermittently
- Dullness
- Irritability
- Pain
- Dehydration
- Dryness in the mouth
- No tears
- Sleeplessness
Older adults should see a doctor if symptoms occur.
- Bleeding in the stool
- Blood in vomiting
- High fever
- Frequent vomiting
- Lack of water in the body
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness (Read more – What is vertigo)
Diagnosis of Rotavirus Infection
To diagnose rotavirus infection, the doctor first performs a physical examination of the patient and asks about the family history and symptoms. Also, to detect the virus, a sample of the feces is examined.(Read more – Irritation during urination)
What are the Treatments for Rotavirus Infection?
There is no specific treatment for rotavirus infection. However, to prevent infection, the doctor may prescribe some antibiotics. Usually, this infection resolves within 3 to 8 days. Take special care that there is no lack of water in the body of the children. According to the doctor, if the child has rotavirus infection, then during this time, the child should consume more water. Apart from this, other fluids may also be given to prevent dehydration. To treat dehydration in children, electrolytes should be given by mixing in water. In case of severe dehydration, there is a need for immediate hospitalization.
Prevention of Rotavirus Infection
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent rotavirus infection. Wash your hands especially after helping your child use the toilet and changing your baby’s diaper. However, maintaining proper hygiene can reduce the risk of infection.
- Rota Teq – This vaccine is given to children in three doses. It is given at the age of two, four, and six months. This vaccine is not given to older children and adults. If there is any discomfort near the intestine, contact the doctor. In some cases, if your child experiences stomach pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool after vaccination, contact a doctor. (Read more – The problem of blood in the stool)
- Rotarix – This is a vaccine given to infants at two to four months of age.
We hope that we could answer your questions regarding the rotavirus infection through this article.
If you need more information about Rotavirus infection and its treatment, you can contact Infection Diseases Expert.
We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication, treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.
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