A fortnight ago, one of our readers reached out with a question on diarrhea and vomit. In her quest, her child was experiencing frequent episodes of vomiting and loose stool. We could have all easily put this down to stomach upset, but we thought it wise to seek medical advice.
You see, a lot can emerge from a singular symptom; not every story has a similar ending, and when it comes to babies, we need to be a little more careful than ever. Well, a quick check with the doctors and a series of tests later revealed that the baby suffered from something the medics call rotavirus.
Let’s delve into what the World Health Organization (WHO) has to say about rotavirus. “Rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe diarrhea disease in infants and young children worldwide, with an estimated more than 25 million outpatient visits and more than 2 million hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus infections each year. Primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, rotaviruses affect the vast majority of children worldwide before the age of 3 years, and in most developing countries before the first birthday. “The universal occurrence of rotavirus infections shows that clean water supplies and good hygiene are unlikely to have a substantial effect on virus transmission.”
Research has found that the virus that causes rotavirus is highly contagious and easily transmittable. While the infection is common in young children, adults are not left out as they can also develop the infection, even though it is less severe.
The symptoms tend to be paramount in children and mostly show within 2 days after contracting the virus. Some of the notable symptoms include:-
- Severe diarrhea
- Vomiting
- High fever
- Dehydration
- Severe fatigue
- Abdominal pain
According to the WHO, rotavirus germs are found in the stool and can easily spread to other surfaces if the carrier fails to wash his or her hands after every toilet visit. The process where the germs come into contact with the mouth is what’s known as fecal-oral spread which is basically the most common way to pass on the virus. Asides that, the virus can also be spread through bodily fluids such as sneeze or literally by touching on same objects like doorknobs and toys.
As the WHO reports, “Rotavirus isn’t treated with medications.” It usually resolves on its own with time. However, dehydration is a serious concern. “Knowing when to seek medical intervention is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.”
Basically, not every diarrhea or high fever is a symptom of either stomach upset or a bacterial infection; some go deeper than that. Avoid self-medication or diagnosis; be on the lookout for the obvious symptoms; and keep the child as hydrated as possible because children are vulnerable to loss of fluid and electrolytes through vomiting and diarrhea.
Monitor the child carefully to know when to seek medical advice. As much as rotavirus has no cure, it can be eliminated from the child’s system as long as you follow the doctor’s advice.
Apart from treatment, rotavirus can also be prevented by opting for a vaccine. Yes, it has a vaccine that comes in two forms, namely:-
- Rotarix: This is a 2-dose series administered to 2 and 4-month-olds.
- RotaTeq: This is a 3-dose series administered to children ages 2, 4, and 6 months.
Both vaccines are oral-based, meaning no injection is involved; they have to be taken through the mouth. The vaccine is not available for older children, so it’s recommended you get your child vaccinated at a young age. Engage your pediatrician to understand the types and benefits better. Children may suffer rotavirus infection more than once, but the vaccine prevents the severity of the condition.
Let’s avoid putting children at risk; when in doubt, seek medical advice.
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