What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a very contagious infection that affects the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) system. People can get rotavirus at any age, but it commonly happens in young children.

Rotavirus spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It is found in the feces (poop) of an infected person. A person can become infected if they eat contaminated food or touch an object that is contaminated with the virus and then touch their mouth.

The virus can show up in an infected child’s feces beginning a few days before symptoms start and can remain there for up to 10 days after symptoms stop.

What are the symptoms and complications of rotavirus?

Rotavirus symptoms usually start a few days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting which last three to eight days. Other symptoms may be loss of appetite, fever and dehydration.

Excessive vomiting and diarrhea can cause your child to lose a lot of fluids which may lead to severe dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

  • Decreased urination (not peeing as often)
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Dry skin
  • Dizziness when standing up
  • Few or no tears when crying
  • Sleeping more or unusual fussiness

Be sure to talk to a doctor right away if your child shows signs of dehydration.

When should my child get the
rotavirus vaccine?

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child and the health of your family. About 70 percent of children who are vaccinated against rotavirus do not get the disease.

There are currently two rotavirus vaccines approved for use in the United States. The first was approved in 2006 and the second was approved in 2008. Both of these vaccines are given orally as drops in the child’s mouth rather than by shots.

  • RotaTeq® is given in three doses at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age.
  • Rotarix® is given in two doses at 2 months and 4 months of age.

Talk to your child’s doctor about the best strategy for vaccination.

Practicing good hygiene and proper handwashing is another way to protect yourself and your family from spreading germs and bacteria.

Is the rotavirus vaccine safe?

The rotavirus vaccine is safe and effective at protecting up to 90 percent of children from serious complications related to rotavirus.

Before vaccines were available, rotavirus was the number one cause of severe diarrhea in babies and young children in the United States. Nearly all children got rotavirus before five years of age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year, vaccines prevent 40,000 to 50,000 hospitalizations among babies and young children.

Most people who get the rotavirus vaccine do not experience any side effects. For those who do, side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects can include pain or soreness at the spot of the injection or fever.