ROTAVIRUS - CARING FOR KIDS
ROTAVIRUS Rotavirus is the most common cause of serious diarrhea in babies and young children. It usually affects children between the ages of 6 and 24 months of age. Without vaccine, almost all children will have at least one episode of rotavirus diarrhea before they turn 5 years old. When older children and adults get rotavirus, they have a milder illness. They have less diarrhea and are less likely to become dehydrated. WHO IS MORE LIKELY TO GET THIS? Anyone can get rotavirus, but it most commonly affects: Infants Young children Close relatives Those who work with children, such as nannies or child-care employees SYMPTOMS OF ROTAVIRUS The first signs are usually fever and vomiting. Within 12 to 24 hours, children start to pass large amounts of watery diarrhea. Severe diarrhea and dehydration are the most common symptoms of rotavirus. Dehydration can happen as soon as 6 hours after the illness starts. The illness usually las