How to Prevent Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a disease that affects approximately 80 percent of children before they turn 5. It can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and dehydration. Rotavirus is most common from fall to spring, and is contagious. In the United States, several children die every year from the disease. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to reduce the chance that your young child will develop rotavirus.

Things You'll Need

• Soap and Water
• Bleach-based Disinfectant
• Rotavirus Vaccine

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands before and after changing diapers or helping children in the bathroom. Rotavirus is spread through contamination with feces.

• 2

  Talk to your pediatrician about the oral rotavirus vaccine. Ask if your child is a good candidate for this medication, which is designed to prevent rotavirus.

• 3

  Wipe down changing tables, potty chairs and toilets with disinfectants made with bleach. Not all disinfectants kill rotavirus, so be sure to use one that contains chlorine.

• 4

  Change your baby's diaper as soon as possible after he has a bowel movement. The longer he walks or crawls around with a dirty diaper, the more likely it is that he may spread the rotavirus.

• 5

  Check with your child's daycare or preschool to be sure that precautions such as handwashing and proper disinfecting techniques are being used to prevent the spread of rotavirus. Ask how soiled diapers are handled, and if hands are washed before and after every diaper change. Speak to the director if you have concerns.