Rotavirus infection is called rotavirus infection and is characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting mainly in babies and young children between 6 months and 2 years of age. The disease lasts about 8 to 10 days, it can be easily transmitted from one person to another and the symptoms can appear suddenly.
As there is diarrhea and vomiting, it is important that measures are taken to prevent the child from becoming dehydrated, in addition it is not recommended to give the child food or medicines that hold the intestine before the first 5 days of diarrhea because it is necessary for the virus to be eliminated. through the stool, otherwise there may be complications.
The diarrhea caused by rotavirus is intense, strong and has a smell similar to that of a spoiled egg, and in addition it is very acidic, and can make the entire intimate area of the baby very red, with greater ease of diaper rash. Thus, with each episode of diarrhea, it is most appropriate to remove the diaper, eliminate excess feces and then wash the baby's private parts with water and moisturizing soap, placing a clean diaper next.
Symptoms of Rotavirus infection
Symptoms of rotavirus infection usually appear suddenly and are more severe the younger the child is due to the immaturity of the immune system. The most characteristic symptoms of rotavirus infection are vomiting and severe diarrhea, which are usually accompanied by a high fever between 39 and 40ºC.
In some cases there may be only vomiting or only diarrhea, however treatment should be started as soon as possible, because both vomiting and diarrhea can favor the child's dehydration in a few hours, leading to the appearance of other symptoms such as dry mouth, dry lips and sunken eyes.
The diagnosis of this infection is made by means of molecular and serological techniques, and a sample of the child's feces is usually requested to perform diagnostic tests.
How transmission occurs
The transmission of rotavirus happens very easily, and the infected child can infect other children even before presenting symptoms and up to 2 months after the infection has been controlled, the main route of contagion being contact with the feces of the infected child. The virus can survive several days outside the host and is very resistant to soaps and disinfectants.
In addition to fecal-oral transmission, rotavirus can be transmitted through contact between an infected person and a healthy person, through contact with contaminated surfaces or through the ingestion of water or food contaminated by the rotavirus.
There are many types or strains of rotavirus and children up to 3 years of age may have the infection several times, although the following are likely to be weaker. Even children who are vaccinated can have this disease, however, in a milder clinical phase, although there may still be vomiting and diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine is not part of the basic vaccination schedule of the Ministry of Health, but can be administered after the pediatrician's prescription. This vaccine is very effective and protects babies and children from many different strains of Rotavirus. Know when to give the rotavirus vaccine.
Treatment for Rotavirus infection
Treatment for Rotavirus infection can be done with simple measures that ensure that the child is not dehydrated because there is no specific treatment for this virus. To lower the fever the pediatrician can prescribe Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, in intercalated doses.
Parents should take care of the child by offering water, fruit juice, tea and light meals such as soups or thin porridge to ensure that the child receives vitamins, nutrients and minerals so that he can recover faster. However, it is important to offer fluids and food in small quantities so that the child does not vomit immediately afterwards. Understand how the treatment for rotavirus should be.
It is also important to adopt measures that reduce the risk of infection, such as always washing your hands after using the bathroom and before preparing food, in addition to taking care of personal and domestic hygiene, not using water from rivers, streams or wells that are possibly contaminated food and protect food and kitchen areas from animals.
