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Rotavirus infection is called rotavirus infection and is characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting, especially in babies and young children between 6 months and 2 years of age. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and last for about 8 to 10 days.
Because it causes diarrhea and vomiting, it is important that measures are taken to prevent the child from becoming dehydrated, especially by increasing fluid consumption. In addition, it is not recommended to give the child food or medicine that holds the intestine before the first 5 days of diarrhea because it is necessary for the virus to be eliminated through the feces, otherwise the infection may worsen.
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus is very acidic and, therefore, 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, wash the baby's private parts with water and moisturizing soap and put on a clean diaper.
Main symptoms
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 include:
- Vomiting;
- Intense diarrhea, with the smell of spoiled egg;
- 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.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Diagnosis of rotavirus infection is usually made by a pediatrician by assessing symptoms, but a stool test can also be ordered to confirm the presence of the virus.
How to get rotavirus
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 body 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 weaker. Even children who are vaccinated against rotavirus can develop the infection, although they have milder symptoms. 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. Know when to give the rotavirus vaccine.
How the treatment is done
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.
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.
Signs of improvement
The signs of improvement usually appear after the 5th day, when episodes of diarrhea and vomiting begin to subside. Gradually the child starts to become more active and has more interest in playing and talking which may indicate that the virus concentration is decreasing and that is why he is getting cured.
The child may return to school or daycare after spending 24 hours eating normally, without any episodes of diarrhea or vomiting.
When to go to the doctor
It is important that the child is taken to the pediatrician when he presents:
- Diarrhea or vomiting with blood;
- Lots of drowsiness;
- Refusal of any type of liquid or food;
- Chills;
- Convulsions due to high fever.
In addition, it is recommended to take the child to the doctor when signs and symptoms of dehydration are verified, such as dry mouth and skin, lack of sweat, dark circles in the eyes, constant low fever and decreased heart rate. Here's how to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration.