Rotavirus Infection – Essential Information.

The rotavirus infection is the most common illness among young children and infants, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to mild to severe dehydration. Almost every child who reaches the age of three to five experiences this infection. The disease primarily affects the age group of 3 to 36 months, during which rapid fluid loss can cause significant disturbances in fluid and electrolyte balance.

Rotavirus spreads through the feces and vomit of infected individuals, with the infection occurring via the fecal-oral route. Poor hygiene conditions, such as neglecting handwashing, play a significant role in the spread of the virus. Recent research suggests that the virus can remain infectious in the form of dust, bound to particles. Parents can also become infected while caring for diapered children, such as after changing diapers or when older children defecate, meaning the virus can affect not only young children but also adults. Symptoms of the disease, such as nausea and abdominal pain, can occur at any age.

Vaccines are available as an effective solution for preventing the infection, which can be administered orally. Ideally, these vaccines should be given from 6 weeks to 6 months of age, as the consequences of infection at an early age can be the most severe.

Symptoms of rotavirus infection

Signs of rotavirus infection include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often appear suddenly and violently. The incubation period is 1-2 days, after which symptoms usually last for 3-7 days. The virus attacks the lining of the small intestine, reducing the absorption of nutrients and fluids, and causing watery diarrhea. This can result in up to 20 bowel movements a day.

The course of the disease varies from person to person. In mild cases, vomiting occurs rarely or only once, while stools may be loose and occur 4-6 times a day. In such cases, the patient’s condition is not significant, and fever may be absent. In moderate cases, symptoms worsen, with increased vomiting and diarrhea leading to greater fluid loss. The patient’s general condition deteriorates, and signs of dehydration may appear.

In rarer cases, the most severe form of the disease may occur, characterized by rapid deterioration. Here, fluid and electrolyte loss is so severe that the child becomes lethargic, and vomiting and diarrhea are practically continuous. Such cases require urgent hospital treatment, including intravenous therapy.

Risks and treatment of dehydration

The greatest danger of rotavirus infection is dehydration, which occurs due to significant fluid loss. This is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, whose fluid and salt balance is unstable. Treatment of the infection primarily focuses on replenishing fluids and minerals, as the therapy is symptomatic.

Young patients often appear lethargic, do not desire fluids, and if they do drink, they cannot properly utilize it due to vomiting or diarrhea. During home treatment, it is important not to withhold bowel movements, as this would only worsen the situation. The use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which can be obtained at pharmacies, is recommended to reduce fluid loss.

To restore gut flora, consumption of bananas and salty crackers is advised, while avoiding dairy products and fatty foods can help the regeneration of the stomach and intestinal mucosa.

Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is also available in Hungary, existing in the form of oral drops. This vaccine is not mandatory; however, it is strongly recommended for children to receive it. Pediatricians suggest protecting infants until they are six months old, and vaccination should ideally begin as early as 6 weeks of age.

It is important to note that different vaccines have varying dosing schedules, so it is advisable to start the process as soon as possible to ensure the desired protective effect is achieved promptly. The use of the rotavirus vaccine can help prevent more severe cases of infection and thereby reduce the risk of dehydration.