What is the Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea and other intestinal symptoms. It is very contagious, and is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children, worldwide. The virus is present in stool and is mainly transmitted between hand and mouth contact. If you touch a person or object carrying the virus and then touch your mouth, you could develop the infection. You can get the virus from not washing your hands after using the toilet, or changing diapers.
Infants and children under 3 years old are at the highest risk of developing a rotavirus infection. Risks are also higher for children who attend daycare. You must consider taking extra precautions during winter and spring months, as more infections occur during these times of the year.
The virus can also remain on surfaces for several days (and possibly weeks) after a person with the infection touches them. Therefore, it is crucial to disinfect all common surfaces in your home frequently, especially if a member of your household has rotavirus.
Symptoms of rotavirus infection in children
The virus infects the stomach and intestines. It causes vomiting and diarrhea, especially in babies and young children. Children with the rotavirus infection may have symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, frequent and watery diarrhea, a cough, and runny nose. The biggest risk with rotavirus infection is the possibility of severe diarrhea.
Sometimes the diarrhea that can quickly lead to dehydration (not enough water in the body). A child who is dehydrated might:
be thirsty;
be cranky;
be very tired or less alert;
feel dizzy or lightheaded;
have sunken eyes;
have a dry mouth and tongue;
have a sunken soft spot (fontanelle); and/or
urinate less often or have fewer diapers than usual.
Dehydration is very dangerous and can often be fatal if not correctly treated. The best protection that parents can give to their children is the rotavirus vaccine.
Rotavirus vaccine
There are two brands of the rotavirus vaccine -- RotaTeq (RV5) and Rotarix (RV1). Both vaccines are given orally, not as a shot. The only difference is the number of doses that need to be given. With RotaTeq, three doses are required. They should be given at ages 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months. Rotarix only requires two doses - at 2 months and 4 months.
Rotavirus vaccine is administered by putting drops in the child's mouth. The first dose must be administered before 15 weeks of age. The last dose must be administered by 8 months of age. Almost all babies who get the rotavirus vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus diarrhea.
What are the side effects of the rotavirus vaccine?
With any vaccine there is chance of a serious allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
difficulty breathing;
wheezing;
hives;
paleness; and / or
fast heart beat.
However, with the rotavirus vaccine the risk of a serious reaction is extremely small.
Most children who get the vaccine have no problem at all. However, there is a slight chance your child may have temporary, mild effects following the vaccine including increased irritability, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you are worried about your own or your child’s condition after a vaccination, or if your child experiences any unexpected, persistent, or severe side effects, see your doctor as soon as possible or go directly to a hospital.
Are there some children who shouldn't receive the rotavirus vaccine?
Any child who has had a severe allergic reaction to an earlier dose of the rotavirus vaccine should not be given any more doses of the vaccine. If your baby has a moderate or severe illness at the time the vaccination is scheduled, wait until the baby has recovered before being vaccinated.
The CDC recommends that you check with your doctor if your baby's immune system has been weakened. Things that could compromise the immune system include:
exposure to HIV/AIDS or any other disease that involves the immune system;
treatment with long-term steroids; and
cancer or cancer treatment with X-rays or drugs.
Additionally, a child with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), a condition in which a child’s immune system cannot fight infections, or a previous episode of a type of bowel blockage called intussusception, should not receive the vaccine.
Is the rotavirus vaccine safe?
Both rotavirus vaccines (Rotarix® and RotaTeq®) were tested in large clinical trials that involved thousands of infants and were found to be safe and effective. About 9 out of 10 children who get the vaccine will be protected from severe rotavirus illness (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in behavior), while about seven to eight out of 10 children will be completely protected from rotavirus illness.
Can rotavirus be prevented?
The rotavirus vaccine can help prevent rotavirus. Washing hands well and often, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing or eating food, is the best way to prevent rotavirus infection. Children with rotavirus should stay home from childcare until the diarrhea is gone.
Take Home Message
The rotavirus infection is common in children, especially those in daycare and pre-school. Rotavirus causes diarrhea and vomiting, and can lead to severe dehydration which might be fatal. The best way to protect your child is through vaccination.
This article is written by Dr. Itumeleng Buti (MBChB)
References
1. Kristeen Cherney. What Is Rotavirus? [Internet] Healthline Media: [updated 2021 November 1; Cited 2022 May 7] Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/rotavirus.
2. Healthy Children. Org. Rotavirus Vaccine: What You Need to Know [Internet] [ Updated 2021 September 4; Cited 2022 May 7] Available from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Rotavirus-Vaccine-What-You-Need-to-Know.aspx
3. Better Health Channel. Rotavirus – immunization. [Internet] [ Updated 2022 March 31; Cited 2022 May 7] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/rotavirus-immunisation.
4. Joseph Saling. Rotavirus (RV) Vaccine. [ Internet] WebMD: [ Updated 2020 June 20; cited 2022 May 6] Available from: https://www.webmd.com/children/vaccines/rotavirus-rv-vaccine.
5. Nemour Children’s Health. Rotavirus. [ Internet] [ Updated Mya 2021; Cited 2022 May 6] Available From: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rotavirus.html.
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