How to Diagnose Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus in the intestinal tract that few parents ever forget. Most children in the U.S. get it by age 2 while the child is still in diapers, which makes it a memorable illness. The symptoms are severe diarrhea and vomiting. Dehydration in babies is the main concern. Approximately 55,000 children are hospitalized from rotavirus in the U.S. annually. The symptoms can persist for 5 days or more.

Instructions

• 1

  Suspect rotavirus if your child develops symptoms in the winter and early spring. Rotavirus is spread through contact with the stools. It can spread rapidly, especially in a day care.

• 2

  Expect symptoms to appear 1 to 2 days after exposure. Vomiting is often the first symptom, followed by a fever and watery diarrhea. Don't be surprised if the amount of diarrhea seems impossible for a baby or child so small.

• 3

  Track the episodes of diarrhea and vomiting. This is important information for your doctor to know when making a diagnosis. Severe diarrhea typically lasts at least 4 days, but a milder case can continue for weeks.

• 4

  Take your child to the doctor who can test a stool sample to confirm rotavirus.