Rotavirus

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, rotavirus infections are so common that most children have at least one bout with rotavirus by age 2 or 3.

Signs and symptoms
A rotavirus infection usually starts with a fever, followed by three or more days of watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and even can be fatal. 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.

Causes
Rotavirus is present in an infected person's stool several days before symptoms appear through 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.
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.

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.
Enter the rotavirus vaccine. In early 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new 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. Studies indicate that the vaccine prevents about 74 percent of all rotavirus cases, and about 98 percent of the most severe cases. The vaccine is not approved for use in older children or adults.
In 1998, the FDA approved the first vaccine for rotavirus (RotaShield). But RotaShield was withdrawn from the market in 1999 after reports linked it to an increased risk of intussusception — a rare but life-threatening form of intestinal blockage.

Self-care
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. 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.