Rotavirus – Symptoms, causes, and preventive options
Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately.
In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus.
Symptoms
The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days.
- Fever and vomiting
During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting.
Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.
After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days.
The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days.
Causes
Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact.
Prevention
To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom. Although, despite regular hand washing, there might be a few chances of contracting a virus. Vaccines are a much more effective way to keep away from the virus. RotaTeq and Rotarix are two vaccines that are given to children during childhood. Parents need to get their kids vaccinated to prevent any complications.
