Rotovirus Treatment

Rotavirus is a viral infection that can be deadly for children. According to the World Health Organization, quoted on the website of Brown University, the disease is responsible for up to 6 million deaths each year worldwide. The disease is deadly to not only children but the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. There is no cure for rotavirus although the symptoms can be managed and treated successfully.

Symptoms

• According to the website brown.edu the early symptoms of rotavirus are fever and vomiting. After a few days a non-bloody diarrhea develops. This is the most dangerous phase of the disease and can lead to possibly fatal dehydration of the patient.

Treatment

• The dehydration is treated with rehydration fluids or, in severe cases, with intravenous fluids. This treatment is common in parts of the world with a well developed medical treatment system. It is not always available in less developed countries. According to the website mayoclinic.com the rotavirus does not respond to antibiotics and will pass in about eight days. Rehydration is the only suggested treatment.

Rehydration Fluids

• Rehydration fluids are commercially available. They include not only water to rehydrate the body but minerals and electrolytes that the body loses through the diarrhea. Home treatments include a bland diet such as crackers and toast accompanied by clear broths or sodas. Avoid sugary foods, dairy products, spicy foods, nicotine and alcohol.

Transmission

• Rotavirus infection occurs after the patient orally ingests the virus that occurs in fecal material. The virus is so active, exposure to as few as 10 virus particles can lead to an infection. Vigorous hand washing, particularly after using the toilet, changing a child's diaper or coming in contact with fecal materials can reduce the possibility of rotavirus, but not eliminate it.

Vaccines

• The Food and Drug Administration has approved two vaccines for rotavirus. RotaTeq is given as three doses at ages 2, 4 and 6 months. Rotarix is given in two doses before the child reaches the age of two years. Consult your pediatrician or other medical professional for information and administration of the vaccines.