All About Rotavirus A Guide for Parents

What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in
children between 6 months and 2 years of age, but
it can occur in all age groups. The virus can spread
easily from person to person. Most children under
5 years old who are hospitalized with dehydration
have a rotavirus infection.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
Symptoms begin about 2 days after being exposed.
They include:
Low-grade fever
Nausea and vomiting
Watery diarrhea
After 2 days, the fever and vomiting usually stop,
but the diarrhea can continue for 7 to 10 days. A lab
test of the stool can conrm the rotavirus is present.
Can rotavirus be serious?
Yes. An infant or child with a rotavirus infection can
become dehydrated.
When should I call the doctor?
As in any case of illness, you should call your
childs doctor whenever you are worried about your
child. He or she can best decide with you whether
the symptoms and behavior you describe suggest
that your child should be examined. Call your
childs doctor if your child:
Has diarrhea for more than 10 days
Looks dehydrated (lethargic, dry lips, inside of
mouth dry or tacky, doesnt cry tears, decreased
urine output)
Has blood in the stools
Has severe persistent abdominal cramps
Has a fever for more than 3 days with diarrhea
Is less than 2 months of age with watery stools
How is rotavirus treated?
Antibiotics will not treat this virus. Treatment is
aimed at replacing uids and electrolytes (salts and
minerals) lost through the bowels. Do not use anti-
diarrhea medicines (e.g., Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol)
they can prolong the infection. A child who
becomes dehydrated may need intravenous uids in
the hospital.
Where does rotavirus come from?
The virus may be in the stool before and after
symptoms appear, and can remain in the stool for
10 days. Children can become infected by putting
ngers in their mouth after touching something that
has been contaminated by the stool of an infected
person. This often happens when children forget to
wash their hands, especially before eating and after
using the toilet. Toys and other surfaces can hold
and spread the virus for more than 10 days.
Is there a vaccine to prevent rotavirus?
There are two vaccines, Rotateq and Rotarix. Both
are oral vaccines, given 2 to 3 times between ages 2
and 6 months. These vaccines can prevent or lessen
the severity of rotavirus.
Can I prevent rotavirus in my child?
Not completely, but you can take steps to lower the
risk. Besides getting the vaccine:
Children should wash their hands before eating
and after using the toilet. Caretakers should wash
their hands and disinfect the changing area after
each diaper change.
Toys and other surfaces need to be washed often
with a disinfectant cleaner that contains bleach
(such as Lysol with Bleach).
Food handlers must wash their hands often and
well, as salads or sandwiches that are not cooked
can spread rotavirus.
PE-0053-01 (06/09) AHC Pediatrics
Continued
www.AuroraHealthCare.org
All About Rotavirus A Guide for Parents, Page 2
What to do for mild diarrhea
Infants (under 1 year old)
If breastfeeding, continue nursing at more
frequent intervals.
If formula feeding, use full strength formula as
much as desired.
If the infant eats solids, offer more rice cereal,
mashed potatoes and strained carrots. Avoid fruits
and fruit juices.
Children over 1 year
Increase intake of starchy foods (cereals, breads,
crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, noodles).
Increase water intake; decrease milk and milk
products to about half the usual amount.
Avoid fruit juices, raw fruits, vegetables,
beans, spicy foods and any foods that cause
loose stools.
What to do for frequent watery diarrhea
Infants (under 1 year old)
If breastfeeding, continue to do so but more
often. If the baby has decreased wet diapers, offer
Pedialyte between feedings for 6 to 24 hours.
Mothers who breastfeed should decrease foods
that can cause the baby to pass stools faster, like
coffee, colas and herbal teas.
If formula feeding, offer unlimited amounts of
Pedialyte for 6 to 24 hours. (Avoid gelatin, water
or sports drinks, as they do not have enough
sodium.) After 6 to 24 hours, if the child seems
hungry, the diarrhea is less watery and the child
has enough wet diapers, you may offer half
strength soy formula (Prosobee, Isomil, Isomil
DF) in unlimited amounts. If the child tolerates
this for 12 hours, you may increase to full-strength
soy formula and add solids. Resume regular
formula 3 days after diarrhea stops.
If the child eats solids, increase starchy foods
(cereals, mashed potatoes, strained carrots).
Children over 1 year
Encourage large amounts of uids water if the
child is eating solids, or oral hydration solutions
(Pedialyte, popsicles, sports drinks) if the child is
not eating solids.
Avoid full-strength fruit juices, especially apple,
peach, pear and prune juice.
May have 6 to 8 ounces of milk a day
Avoid high-sugar uids, like Kool-Aid, soda and
energy drinks that can increase diarrhea.
Increase intake of starchy foods (cereals, breads,
crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, noodles). Avoid
raw foods, spicy foods and any other foods that
cause loose stools. Resume regular diet 1 day after
diarrhea is gone.
Vomiting with the diarrhea
If your child is vomiting along with the diarrhea,
wait at least 45 minutes after the vomiting to give
uids. When you do offer uids, offer only small
sips about every 5 minutes. As they begin to hold
down the small amounts of uid, you can start to
offer them more. Continue to increase the amount
slowly as the vomiting stops.
Diaper rash from the diarrhea
Avoid using baby wipes. Wash bottom gently with
warm water or mild soap. Pat dry. Apply a barrier
diaper paste such as A&D or Desitin ointment. If
possible, leave skin exposed to air. Wash your hands
well after diaper care. If the rash becomes worse or
has open areas, call your childs doctor.
Return to day care or school
When the diarrhea has stopped, your child can
return to day care or school.
Can my child get rotavirus again?
Rotavirus usually affects children 6 months to 2
years of age. By age 3, most children have acquired
some immunity to rotavirus. Since there are
different types of the virus, the infection can occur
again, but symptoms may be milder or absent.
PE-0053-01 (06/09) AHC Pediatrics
The information presented is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the
advice of your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have a health problem.
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