Rotavirus - diarrhoea and vomitting

What is rotavirus?

Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in children under five years of age.   A baby or child with rotavirus can have up to 20 episodes of diarrhoea in 24 hours. Almost every child will have had it by their 5th birthday.    Around one in 40 children will be admitted to hospital because of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Why have I never heard of rotavirus?

Doctors don't often test for rotavirus because you manage any diarrhoea and vomiting in babies and young children the same way at first.

How serious is rotavirus?

The most serious risk is of dehydration developing.  Most infections are handled at home, with good parental care.  But some babies or toddlers will need to visit their doctor and some may even have to go to hospital because of dehydration.  It is impossible to predict which ones.

What are the symptoms of rotavirus infection?

Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach pains.  Children can get just a few or all of the symptoms and they can range from mild to severe.  The symptoms can last for up to a week, sometimes longer.

How do you catch rotavirus?

Rotavirus is highly contagious and spreads easily among children.  It can live outside the body on objects liektoys or door handles for up to two weeks.

When could my child get rotavirus?

Rotavirus diarrhoea and vomiting is most common in babies aged 6 to 24 months.  It is also more frequent in the winter. 

Can I prevent Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is so infectious that it is nearly impossible to prevent your child coming home with an infection.  So the focus is on trying to minimise the spread to other children and other family members.

If your child has symptoms of rotavirus infection, keep them away from other children until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.  That includes keeping them out of playgroups or nurseries.

Is there a vaccine to prevent Rotavirus? 

Yes, there is an oral vaccine available that you can give your baby to prevent rotavirus.  It is called Rotarix*.   It is a course of two doses,  the first adminstered at 6 weeks old with at least a four week interval before the second dose is administered (although the second dose must have be administered before your baby is 24 weeks old).

Is Rotarix available on the NHS?

No, although rotavirus vaccination is part of the vaccination programme in USA, Australia, Austria, Mexico and Brazil, it has not yet been incorporated into the UK vaccination programme.

Does WellCare offer Rotarix?

Yes, WellCare offers Rotarix at all of its clinics in England and Wales.   To make an appointment or for more information please call us on 01225 312 040 and speak with one of our patient service advisors.

*Rotarix is the rgeistered trade mark of GSK.