Rotavirus infection is the world’s leader for causing severe diarrhea in infants and children. In fact, most will experience gastroenteritis symptoms caused by this virus before their 5th birthday.
Rotavirus infection typically kicks off with the symptom of a fever. This is then followed by watery diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain symptoms. Except for the diarrhea, your other symptoms will likely subside within a couple of days. Your diarrhea may carry on for a week or so.
Rotavirus infections are prevalent during the colder months of winter and spring. And this diarrhea instigator is a highly contagious, infectious disease, primarily spread via the ingestion of contaminated fecal material. So, do you part to combat the spread of rotavirus by keeping your hands washed.
Although your body may produce an antibody to rebuff another rotavirus infection, this natural immunity is incomplete because of the various antigen strains of this virus. Therefore, you can experience another infection, but gastroenteritis symptoms tend to lessen in severity with each subsequent infection.
There’s no specific treatment for most viral infections, rotavirus is no exception. Antibiotics do not treat virus infections.
The major health concern involved with rotavirus is that severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Without adequate rehydration, dehydration can create a serious health condition.
As such, the most important component of rotavirus treatment is preventing dehydration. Thus, drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost during the course of your viral gastroenteritis. Ideally gulp one laced with electrolytes, i.e. Pedialyte, sports drink.
Some symptoms of dehydration include:
- dizziness
- dark urine
- sunken eyes
- no tear crying
- extreme thirst
- no urine output
- lightheadedness
- dry mouth, dry skin
- faint feeling with standing
Seek health care assistance if fluid replacement becomes an issue.
Treatment for your upset stomach may require easing back into food consumption. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods, for instance:
- rice
- toast
- gelatin
- bananas
- potatoes
- soda crackers
Should eating cause nausea or dyspepsia, then stop.
Stuff you don’t want to eat during your gastroenteritis caused diarrhea episode are:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- fatty foods
- seasoned foods
- dairy products ~ milk, ice cream
- sugary foods ~ sodas, candy, fruit juice
All of which can make your diarrhea worse.
Acetaminophen may help relieve associated discomfort symptoms, unless you have liver disease. And it’s crucial that you never give a child aspirin.
There are two rotavirus vaccines available. Discuss these opportunities with your health care provider. Also, get with you health care person if you vomit blood or experience bloody diarrhea anytime during your rotavirus caused gastroenteritis struggle.
And finally, a standard treatment measure while suffering through any health condition is to get plenty of rest.