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Rotavirus is a virus that is the most common cause of diarrhea among young children in the world. This virus commonly causes gastroenteritis which leads to the diarrhea also. Rotavirus is most prevalent in underdeveloped countries but is still very common in the United States.
It is estimated that 55,000 children are hospitalized in the United States on an annual basis. Over 400,000 doctor visits are made due to the rotavirus in the U.S annually. Rotavirus is also responsible for over 600,000 deaths worldwide. It is suggested that over 90% of children have had rotavirus by the time they turn 5 years old.
Children who are under the age of 5 have the greatest risk. In the United States most children who get the rotavirus do so by the time they are 2 years old. The peak times for infection with the virus are from November until early May. The virus is spread mainly by the fecal-oral route. Commonly the virus is spread at day care centers, pediatricians' offices, and hospitals. Parents can pass the disease on also if the don't properly wash their hands after changing a diaper. It is a resilient virus that can live on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. Toys, countertops, and other hard surfaces may house the virus until someone else comes in contact with it.
Symptoms are fever, upset stomach, and vomiting followed by watery diarrhea. Symptoms usually start a
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couple days after coming in contact with the virus and during this time children may pass the virus onto other children without knowing it. The symptoms then present and last for about 3-8 days. The diarrhea that comes with this illness can be so severe that it causes dehydration which is a main cause of hospitalizations in the infected population.
If your child does come down with the rotavirus the treatments aren't that effective. Antibiotics aren't effective because they only treat bacteria. The best treatment is to make sure that the children get plenty of fluids. The doctor may recommend drinks that replace minerals and electrolytes that can be depleted from vomiting and diarrhea. If the child has a fever it is recommended to give them the proper doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Also make sure your child gets plenty of rest while they are trying to fight of the viral infection and make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after changing their diaper.
Prevention is the key step in fighting the rotavirus. There is a rotavirus vaccine that is available to prevent the virus from infecting your children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) both advise that all children be vaccinated for rotavirus. The rotavirus vaccine is a little different in that it isn't a shot. It's an oral vaccine that is given three times. Usually it is recommended that the first dosage be
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given when your child is 6-12 weeks of age. The second dosage follows 4-10 weeks later and the third is given again 4-10 weeks after the second dosage. The last dosage should be given by the time your child reaches 32 weeks old. It is important to note that the vaccine only protects against 74% of all rotavirus infections. It does prevent 98% of severe cases and children who receive it are 96% less likely to be hospitalized.
Remember that prevention is the key to the fight against rotavirus. Immunizations are recommended for all children. Hand washing is also an important prevention tool. If your child does come down with the rotavirus make sure to keep them well hydrated and manage their temperature appropriately. Hopefully with vaccination and proper care the incidence of rotavirus will drop down dramatically. For additional information talk with your pharmacist or physician.
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