By Ashley Peoples| UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Many children under five experience diarrheal disease, which comes from different conditions. Rotavirus can be transmitted to infants and children by not washing their hands when they have a bowel movement or putting fingers in their mouth after touching objects that are not clean. Rotavirus is released through bowel movements. According to the CDC (2021), rotavirus is spread without complications among infants and children. The CDC states, “They can spread rotavirus to family members and other people with whom they have close contact.”

There are symptoms to look out for if you think your child may have rotavirus: diarrheal and vomiting. This can cause dehydration due to the loss of body fluids. The CDC mentions, “Since rotavirus disease can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, it can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids).” Symptoms of dehydration caused by rotavirus include:

• decreased urination.
• dry mouth and throat
• feeling dizzy when standing up
• crying with few or no tears and
• unusual sleepiness or fussiness.

It is essential to know the symptoms of dehydration if your child has rotavirus. Treatment for dehydration may consist of IV fluids. The CDC suggests, “Severe dehydration may require hospitalization for treatment with intravenous (IV) fluids that patients receive directly through their veins.” Hand hygiene is essential to help stop the spread of rotavirus. Washing your hands can also prevent your child from developing rotavirus.

According to the CDC, “Good hygiene like handwashing and cleanliness are important but are not enough to control the spread of the disease.” The best way to stop rotavirus is with the vaccination. Two vaccinations that can prevent rotavirus are the RotaTeq and Rotarix. RotaTeq is given in three doses at ages two months, four months, and six months. Rotarix is given in two doses at ages two months and four months. Most children (about 9 out of 10) who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus disease. About 7 out of 10 children will be protected from rotavirus disease of any severity (CDC, 2021). The first dose of either vaccine should be given before a child is 15 weeks of age and they should receive all doses of rotavirus vaccine before they turn eight months old. Both vaccines are given by putting drops in the child’s mouth.

The rotavirus vaccine is the best way to protect your child against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting among young children. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you notice rotavirus symptoms.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 26). Rotavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/index.html