What Are the Treatments for Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a viral infection that most typically strikes children before the age of 5. It is the world's number one cause of severe childhood diarrhea, and outside the United States it kills more than 600,000 annually. As a rule, cases in the United States are less severe, but hospitalization is still required yearly in over 50,000 cases. Treatments for rotavirus include system support, rehydration and preventive vaccination.

When to Seek Help

• If your child has a rotavirus infection, symptoms typically include fever followed by a week or so of vomiting and watery diarrhea. Rotavirus is also capable of infecting adults, and if you are affected your symptoms will generally be much milder. Contact your doctor if your child vomits frequently for more than 3 hours, has a fever of 102 degrees F or higher, presents bloody or heavy diarrhea or appears to be in pain. Be especially alert for signs of dehydration, including low urine or complete lack of urination, crying without any tears, dry mouth, sleep disturbances or lethargic behavior. Untreated dehydration is a potentially life-threatening condition.

System Support and Rehydration

• There is no cure for rotavirus infection. The main focus of treatment is to support the body during illness and safeguard against the possibility of dehydration. If your child has rotavirus, make sure to provide plenty of liquids. However, avoid options that may worsen diarrhea, such as milk, apple juice and other sugary liquids. You may also want to consider buying an oral rehydration product such as Pedialyte, LiquiLytes or PediaVance. If diarrhea symptoms are mild, your child may continue to eat as normal. However, you may need to combat the effects of nausea with nonirritating foods such as toast or crackers. Also make sure your child gets plenty of rest.

  If your infant has rotavirus, liquids can be supplied as breast milk, formula or rehydration product. Offer only small amounts of liquid at a time, and do not dilute breast milk or formula.

  If your child's dehydration is significant, your doctor will likely urge hospitalization for the duration of illness. Treatment in the hospital will center on administration of intravenous (IV) fluids to provide increased dehydration protection.

Vaccination

• The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines calling for the vaccination of all infants against rotavirus infection. RotaTeq is a vaccine product in common use. Typically, a first dose is given at age 2 months, followed by additional doses at 4 and 6 months. In some rare cases, RotaTeq may cause dangerous intestinal blockage. Watch your child for signs including vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain, as well blood in the stool or other bowel movement changes. If any of these problems develop, contact your pediatrician immediately.

  Rotarix is a newer product approved as a rotavirus vaccine. It is typically given in two separate oral doses between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Consult your pediatrician for full guidelines on its use.

Additional Safeguards

• Increase the effectiveness of rotavirus prevention by following proper hygiene guidelines. Make regular and thorough hand washing the rule in your household, and do not send your child to school or daycare with an active infection.