Rotovirus in children

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus  is the biggest cause of gastroenteritis in children. It is a virus infecting the stomach and intestine and it is estimated that every child will have at least one infection before the age of five.

The infection is prevalent during the winter and spring months, and is highly contagious among children. It frequently occurs in playgroups, nursery and infant schools.

What happens

The virus affects the way the body deals with water. The result of this is sickness and diarrhoea which is caused by an excess of unabsorbed fluid in the intestine.

When suffering from this virus it is important to be aware that children may become dehydrated. The sickness and diarrhoea will cause the child to loose water and minerals such as salt and potassium, two things the body needs to function properly.

Signs of dehydration – What to look for

Weakness
Thirst
Very yellow urine
Dry mouth and skin
Very infrequent wet nappies
Irritability

If your child becomes dehydrated the usual way to treat this is through Oral rehydration therapy (ORT). ORT is available over the counter from your pharmacy, but it is advisable to consult your GP or health visitor for advice, especially for very young babies and toddlers.

ORT will contain a bulking agent to help return bowel movements to normal, and speeds up rehydration. Dioralyte is recommended for the replacement of essential water and salt loss in infants, children and adults in the treatment of acute diarrhoea. Acute means of sudden onset and short duration.

Dioralyte Standard is £3.55 for six sachets and Dioralyte Relief is £3.95 for six sachets.  Both are available from pharmacies nationwide.   Always reads the label.