Rotavirus in Babies

Rotavirus is an extremely common infection that most children will contract by age 3, according to the Mayo Clinic. While it can usually be treated at home, rotavirus occasionally results in serious complications that require hospitalization, so parents need to know how to treat this common virus.

• Rotavirus is unpleasant but common in babies

Spread

• According to KidsHealth, rotavirus is highly contagious and is most common during winter and spring. The virus is present in the stool of infected people and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact.

Symptoms

• Babies with rotavirus typically experience a fever, diarrhea and vomiting. Young babies are particularly susceptible to the dangers of fever and dehydration because of diarrhea, so call your doctor for advice if you think your baby has rotavirus.

Treatment

• Your doctor will recommend treatment for your baby's illness; this usually includes plenty of fluids and frequent nursing for breastfed babies.

Complications

• If diarrhea results in dehydration, your infant may need intravenous fluid treatment in a hospital, so keep your doctor well-informed of your baby's condition.

Prevention

• Rotavirus vaccines called Rotarix and RotaTeq are now available and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. RotaTeq can prevent up to 75 percent of rotavirus infections, according to KidsHealth.