Roto Virus Advice

My kids had this when one was 2 and the other was 9 months. My 2 year old had it the worst. Her doctor said to get a big bag of dum dum suckers and keep letting her suck on them. Something about the sugar he says can calm the stomach and help with dehydration. Believe it or not, it really did help with the vomiting. Also, he said to use a medicine syringe and give her 1-2 teaspoons of water every 15-30 minutes. It helps keep kids out of the hospital for dehydration.

For the mom who said something about the vaccination, are you thinking of Rubella? I'm unaware of a vaccine for Roto, as it is basically a really nasty flu/cold virus.

I am so sorry. Rotavirus is nasty. My 5-year old had it when she was a baby. Thank goodness they have an oral vaccine for it now. My 26-month old just missed it-she was a teeny bit too old for it when it first came out. The peditartician and my baby's day care providers say they've seen much less rotavirus since the vaccine came out.

Rotavirus Filed under: Digestive Health

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/rotavirus/DS00783.html

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most children have at least one bout with rotavirus by age 2 or 3.

Although rotavirus infections are unpleasant, you can treat most of them at home with extra fluids to prevent dehydration. Occasionally, severe dehydration requires intravenous fluids in the hospital. Dehydration is a serious complication of rotavirus and a major cause of childhood deaths in developing countries.

Rotavirus infections are most common in winter and spring. Vaccines can help prevent rotavirus infection in your infant. For older children and adults — who aren't as likely to develop serious symptoms of rotavirus — frequent hand washing is the best line of defense.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Symptoms
A rotavirus infection usually starts with a fever, followed by three to eight days of watery diarrhea and vomiting. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well. In adults who are otherwise healthy, a rotavirus infection may cause only mild signs and symptoms — or none at all.

When to see a doctor
Call your child's doctor if your child:

Has severe or bloody diarrhea
Has frequent episodes of vomiting for more than three hours
Has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
Seems lethargic, irritable or in pain
Has signs or symptoms of dehydration — dry mouth, crying without tears, little or no urination, unusual sleepiness or unresponsiveness
If you're an adult, call your doctor if you:

Aren't able to keep liquids down for 24 hours
Have frequent episodes of vomiting for more than two days
Vomit blood
Have blood in your bowel movements
Have a temperature higher than 104 F (40 C)
Have signs or symptoms of dehydration — excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Causes
Rotavirus is present in an infected person's stool several days before symptoms appear for up to 10 days after symptoms subside. The virus spreads easily through hand-to-mouth contact throughout this time — even if the infected person doesn't have symptoms.

If you have rotavirus and you don't wash your hands after using the toilet — or your child has rotavirus and you don't wash your hands after changing your child's diaper or helping your child use the toilet — the virus can spread to anything you touch, including food, toys and utensils. If another person touches your unwashed hand or a contaminated object and then touches his or her mouth, an infection may follow.

Sometimes rotavirus spreads through contaminated water or infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air.

Because there are many types of rotavirus, it's possible to be infected more than once. However, repeat infections are typically less severe.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Risk factors
Rotavirus infections are most common in children ages 4 months to 24 months — particularly those who spend time in child care settings. Older adults and adults caring for young children have an increased risk of infection as well.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Complications
Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, particularly in young children. Left untreated, dehydration can become a life-threatening condition.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Preparing for your appointment
If you or your child needs to see a doctor, you'll likely see your primary care provider first. If there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist.

What you can do
Your time with your doctor is often limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. Some questions you might want to ask your doctor or your child's doctor include:

What's the likely cause of the symptoms? Are there other possible causes?
Is there a need for any tests?
What's the best treatment approach? Are there any alternatives?
Is there a need to take any medicine? Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing? (Pharmacies often fill a prescription with a generic brand unless requested otherwise.)
How can I ease the symptoms?
If at any time during your appointment you don't understand what the doctor is saying, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

What to expect from your doctor
Some questions the doctor may ask include:

When did symptoms first begin?
Have the symptoms been continuous or intermittent?
How severe are the symptoms?
What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms?
What you can do in the meantime
Drink plenty of fluids. Stick with bland foods to reduce stress on your digestive system. If your child is sick, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids, and bland food. If you're breast-feeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. Ask your child's doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte is appropriate.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Tests and diagnosis
Rotavirus is often diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. A stool sample may be analyzed in a lab to confirm the diagnosis.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Treatments and drugs
There's no specific treatment for a rotavirus infection. Antibiotics won't help a viral infection. Usually, the infection resolves itself within three to eight days. Preventing dehydration is the biggest concern.

To prevent dehydration while the virus runs it course, drink plenty of fluids. If your child has severe diarrhea, offer an oral rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte — especially if the diarrhea lasts longer than a few days. For children, a rehydration fluid can replace lost minerals more effectively than can water or other liquids. Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids in the hospital.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Lifestyle and home remedies
If your baby is sick, offer small amounts of liquid. If you're breast-feeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby drinks formula, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration fluid or regular formula. Don't dilute your baby's formula.

If your older child isn't feeling well, encourage him or her to rest. Offer bland foods, such as soda crackers and toast. Plenty of liquids are important, too, including an oral rehydration fluid such as Pedialyte. Avoid apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, which can make a child's diarrhea worse.

If you're struggling with diarrhea or vomiting, take it easy. Suck on ice chips or take small sips of water or clear sodas or broths. Eat bland foods. Avoid anything that may irritate your stomach, including dairy products, fatty or highly seasoned foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Terms of use.

Prevention
To reduce the spread of rotavirus, wash your hands thoroughly and often — especially after you use the toilet, change your child's diaper or help your child use the toilet. But even strict hand washing doesn't offer any guarantees.

Currently, there are two vaccines offered against rotavirus:

RotaTeq. In early 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine RotaTeq to prevent rotavirus infections in infants. The vaccine is given by mouth in three doses, often at ages 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. The vaccine is not approved for use in older children or adults.

Although a few cases of intussusception — a rare but life-threatening form of intestinal blockage — were reported after vaccination with RotaTeq, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the number of cases in vaccinated children was similar to the number of cases in unvaccinated children and concluded that the vaccine didn't increase a child's risk of intussusception. A similar anti-rotavirus vaccine (RotaShield) was pulled from the market in 1999 because of an association with intussusception.

The FDA and the CDC continue to monitor the safety of the RotaTeq vaccine and want doctors to report any complications associated with the vaccine. If after vaccination, your child has stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in his or her stool, or a change in bowel movements, contact your doctor immediately.

Rotarix. In early 2008, the FDA approved another rotavirus vaccine, Rotarix. This vaccine is a liquid given in two doses to infants between 6 and 24 months. Clinical trials of the vaccine detected no increased risk of intussusception.
©1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

My daughter had roto virus when she was 10 months old. The doctor is correct -- it just has to run its course. And from what I remember, just when you think it's getting better, it starts all over again. I think my daughter was sick for at least a week. Just keep pumping fluids in her. The most important thing is to keep her hydrated.

Just to help clear some confusion...there is, indeed, a vaccination for rotovirus. Pediatricians usually recommend it for children who will be cared for in a daycare setting. Typically many SAHMs (and a few parents who send their children to daycare) choose not to vaccinate their children against rotovirus since, theoretically, the exposure to the virus is less likely as they are not around multiple kids on a daily basis and passing any and every kind of germ back and forth.

Yes, rotovirus does have to run its course but there are many things you can do (read the other posts) to try to make life more comfortable for your child. The most important thing you can do is make sure she stays hydrated by pushing fluids - water, juice, popsicles, high water-content fruit, etc.

If you have not yet read Debbiesue G's post, please do so. It is outstanding!

My son had it at 14 months old and ended up being hospitalized from dehydration from vomitting. I did not do the right thing when he did start vomitting- so here is what I learned and hopefully you will stay out of the hospital. DO NOT feed, water or anything oral after vomitting until one hour has passed. YOur child will beg, but don't. Their little belly is "angry" as my PED put it, and wants to rest. Then, after 60 min, give a dropperfull of water or gatorade in 50/50 water mix every ten minutes. It is around one teaspoon of fluid. Do not feed until two hours of no vomitting, then only liquid things-jello (becomes liquid in belly), chix broth, etc. YOur Ped can give you a more complete list. Good luck.

Probiotic sounds like a great idea. You can give her activia yogurt for that as well. As mentioned, keep her hydrated and just keep an eye on her. If she seems lethargic, bring her back to the doctor or the ER.

My girls are teens now, but they had it when they were wee little. The younger they are the harder this virus is on them. At the time, my 5 month old had a terrible time with it. The other one was almost 3 at the time and she did much better with it. Keep everything clean and beware that you don't get it and give it back to each other. You can get it repeatedly if not careful.

Hang in there, you will get through it.

Peace <>< ~ B.
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also known as the common cold
No treatment yet but they are close to finding an anti-biotic for it.
However watch to see if it turns into ear ache or sore throat.
no fun when a little one is ill

My daughter had Roto Virus when she was 18 months old. The virus is highly contagious and is passed through stool. My daughter got severly dehydrated and had to be hospitalized for 3 days. As a nurse I can't believe you docter did not tell you these things. There is no medication and it does have to run its course. My daughter threw up for 3 days then had duarrhea for 4 days. I would keep her hydrated and away form other kids. Good Luck!!!!!

Hi, M.! I remember reading about your posting the other day. I sent you a little story about my son who had the "flu" thing too, which was the same as your daughter -- the dreaded roto virus. Just be really careful that she doesn't dehydrate. My little Michael was transported (via helicopter) to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, and stayed over night. After they gave him the bolus of potassium and ran an IV, he's electrolytes came back up to where they should be and he was fine. Be careful with her, because she's half the age he was. A little piece of advice... if you end up in the hospital and they tell you that they want to place a central line in her neck to give her the potassium... tell them no. It's a surgical procedure to place that line. Have them try to give it to her by mouth first. If that doesn't work, then do the central line. I'm a nurse, so I immediately questioned the placement of a central line. I told him to try to give it to him by mouth, but they said most kids won't take it. Well, try it anyway!!! So they did, and he drank it right up. No problem! It doesn't take much to dehydrate those little, tiny bodies. Check in her mouth to see that her tongue is wet and that she has tears if she cries. Keep an eye on the color of her urine as well. If it's cloudy or white, take her to the ER and get an IV. His roto virus lasted a good week, but it was awful. I'll pray for her quick recovery!!

Hi M.,
My daughter had roto virus when she was 2. Your doctor is right, it has to run it's course. Nothing in nothing out.
Is your daughter in the hospital on iv?? Mine was for a least 2 days before she was put on a brat diet for a few days. Then she should be feeling better.
Please let me know how she is.

keep her hydrated and disenfect everything. it is very contagious....be sure her bottom is all dry before you put a diaper on and put cream on it to prevent rash.

I feel for you ad your baby! My doc recommended Floristat (ask pharmacy)to help replace the vital bacteria and also the yogurts w/ active bacteria. Although I'm not sure if anything will really help it feels better for mom if you're doing something. Someone mentioned Lotrimin for the bum - my little guys bum was raw and it helped w/the healing but also used the Maalox/Aquaphor mix to keep wetness from his skin.

You might also look at allergies to food/milk/soy, etc. Turns out, mine was allergic to soy and it wasn't rotovirus.

Things you can do for your kiddo: Keep her hydrated, keep her comfortable - use tylenol (will help if she has a fever), baby vix, saline drops for her nose, breast milk (if still nursing or have some stored in the freezer) is anti-viral, you can put some in a small syringe and push it up her nose (one to two mls at a time), that will keep germs down in her mucous membranes. Also you could use an infant/child form of acidophilis to help build her immune system. Hope it helps!

My son had rotovirus when he was about 10 months old and had to be hospitalized because he got so dehydrated. If you see her pooping/throwing up more than she is orally taking in, get her to the doc ASAP.

Good luck. It was a terrible experience for us.

i'm confused how all of you have experience with roto virus since there is a vaccine? have you gotten the shot and still get the virus? are kids getting it before they get the vaccine, or after? i don't understand...

Hi M.!
Like a lot of the other moms have said, make sure your little one drinks and does NOT get dehydrated. My little boy spent time in the hospital when he was about 10 months old. It was AWFUL! And make sure everyone washes their hands. Hope things don't get worse. GOOD LUCK!

Hi M.,
I've read the responses you've received, and all of it is good. Don't really have anything to add...just wanted to let you know I am feeling your pain. I wanted to laugh&cry when I read your post. I'm home with my two boys who BOTH have rotavirus right now! They are 12 and 4, so I'm sure it's much harder with a littler one-but this is definitely AWFUL!!!! My house smells like a poop-factory!! LOL
Anyway, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. Hope it's over soon!

My boys got it too:( Anyone else vax and still get it? My friend's daughter ended up in the ER for IV fluids even after having been vaxed.
Talk to your doc. It depends on the age as to whether or not they can give anti-nausea meds. Otherwise, push the fluids. If you're still nursing, nurse as often as she wants it. Find out what the signs of dehydration are and know when to go to the hospital for IV fluids.
Our Pedi said there are 2 strains going around. One is 3-5 days and the other is 5-7. If she's puking at 3 days it's the 5-7 day strain which carries a higher risk of dehydration.

hi M.,
i think i responded to you already on another thread. just make sure she stays hydrated. also, you could try giving her a probiotic. it helps them recover quicker from diahrea (sp?) you can get it at your local drugstore or health foods store.

Viruses can not be medicated...they run their course. Push fluids and wash wash wash your hands...You do not want it!

Hi there. My son had it when he was 8 weeks old. It does have to run its course and it is a virus so no medicine can really help it. All I can suggest is keep the dirty diapers outside (dispose of them immediately... don't put in diaper genie) and wash hands ALOT. Also, we used lotrimin on his butt to help b/c your babies butt will get very red. The Lotrimin is the same stuff used for athletes feet and helps kills any fungi that may be there (which can often happen with roto virial diarrehea).

Hope she gets better soon. It takes a while but just keep the butt area clean and give lots of hugs and kisses.

My DS had it twice when he was about 5 and 6 mo (he's now 15 mo). The doctor had us give him probiotics to help with the diahrea. We also loaded him with LOTS and LOTS of fluids. Make sure you check her diaper often because sitting in the diahrea for even a short period can lead to a really bad diaper rash.

I hope she feels better soon.