Frequently Asked Questions about Rotavirus

When children are vomiting and have diarrhea, they can rapidly lose fluids. This can lead to dehydration, during which the body does not have the water and salts (or electrolytes) it needs to function well.

Babies less than 1 year old, and especially those who have a fever, can easily get dehydrated because of their smaller body size.

Some children may need to be rehydrated using intravenous fluids. In the most severe cases of dehydration, a child may even develop convulsions or go into shock, which can be life-threatening in rare cases.

Rotavirus often starts with a mild fever, followed by vomiting, an upset stomach, and watery diarrhea many times a day. Anyone caring for small children should know the symptoms of rotavirus, including:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea (often foul-smelling, green, or brown)
• Frequent vomiting
• Fever
• Abdominal pain

The following are signs of dehydration:

• Lethargy (child won’t focus on you, is less responsive to touch or words)
• Less frequent urination
• No tears when crying
• Dry, cool skin
• Dry or sticky mouth
• Sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on the top of their head
• Extreme thirst

If you think your child has rotavirus, talk with a healthcare professional.

Uncomplicated cases of diarrhea can be managed at home with fluids, such as oral electrolyte solutions, to replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting.

Severe vomiting or dehydration may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in an emergency room or hospital.

Rotavirus can spread both before and after children show signs of being sick.

Children can catch a rotavirus infection if they put their fingers in their mouths after touching something that has been contaminated by body fluids or stool from an infected person. Usually, this happens when children forget to wash their hands often enough, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

People who care for children can also spread the virus, especially if they do not wash their hands frequently, especially after changing diapers.

Most disinfectant cleaners, including anti-bacterial products, don’t work against rotavirus. The virus can survive for a few hours on human hands and for days on hard dry surfaces.

Rotavirus can spread easily in families, and outbreaks can occur in childcare centers, playgroups, and hospitals.

The best way to protect your child against rotavirus is to make sure they are vaccinated.

Good handwashing, hygiene, and cleanliness are important but are not enough to stop the spread of rotavirus.

Adults can be infected with rotavirus, but they tend to have milder illness when they are infected.

Young children between age 6-24 months are at greatest risk for severe rotavirus disease.

There is no reliable way to predict how rotavirus will affect your child. Parents should talk with a trusted healthcare professional about vaccination to protect their child from rotavirus.

Infants should be vaccinated to protect against rotavirus disease.

Two rotavirus vaccines are currently licensed for infants in the US. Starting at age 2 months, infants should get 2 or 3 doses depending on the brand of rotavirus vaccine.

Talk to a healthcare professional about which rotavirus vaccine is best for your child.

Rotavirus vaccines are safe and effective:

• About 9 out of 10 children who get vaccinated are protected from severe rotavirus illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in behavior)
• About 9 out of 10 are protected from hospitalization
• About 7 out of 10 children are protected from any type of rotavirus illness

Most babies who get a rotavirus vaccine do not have any side effects.

Some babies have side effects that are usually mild and go away on their own, such as irritability or brief, temporary diarrhea or vomiting.

Serious side effects are possible but rare. The risk of intussusception (a type of bowel blockage that is treated in a hospital and could require surgery) is about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 100,000. The benefits of the rotavirus vaccine outweigh the risk.