Question 1

are rotavirus infections generally deadly in the united states?

Accepted Answer

Risk of dehydration: The risk from rotavirus comes from the effects of the virus, which is diarrhea. A rotavirus induced diarrhea can cause dehydration to the point of needing hospitalization for rehydration. Failure to treat this can lead to such severe dehydration that it can cause death.

Question 2

are rotavirus infections generally deadly in third world countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  They can be.: Rotavirus causes around 500, 000 deaths annually in kids under the age of 5, almost all of which occur in 3rd world countries.  It is spread by fecal oral route and causes copious diarrhea and vomiting which then causes severe dehydration and even death secondary to this dehydration.  Clean water an sanitary conditions would prevent most deaths.

Question 3

what can i do to protect my kids from my rotavirus infection?

Accepted Answer

Immunize &wash hands: Rotavirus is one of the most common and potentially serious intestinal viral infections in the us.  It is spread by contact, not through the air.  So the best defense is to wash hands before eating and after caring for children or adults, especially changing diapers, clothes, etc..  A safe, effective oral vaccine is available and recommended for all healthy infants.

Question 4

where am i or my child likely to contract a rotavirus infection?

Accepted Answer

From anyone.: Rotavirus is a highly contagious disease. Can be spread anywhere, but more often in crowded situations, such as day cares and schools. Good handwashing and staying away from the sick are the only effective measures. Antibiotics do not work here.

Question 5

i have diabetes, can a rotavirus infection cause complications?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Any infection can cause uncontrolled sugar swings.  If you use a glucometer to check your sugars, you might want to be extra vigilant when you are ill.  Also, be wary of dehydration with rotavirus, which can be compounded if your diabetes was not under control (a high blood sugar will cause you to urinate more).  Good luck and have a low threshold for getting checked out by your physician!

Question 6

i have crohn's disease, can a rotavirus infection cause complications?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Rotavirus commonly affects young children rather than adults & causes watery diarrhea that usually goes away on its own in a few days.You may be able to get rotavirus if you are taking meds for crohns (they suppress your immune system & make it harder to fight off infections). It should not cause any long term complications. Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes (ex gatorade) & see dr if needed.

Question 7

what are the tests for rotavirus infection?

Accepted Answer

Poo sent to lab: Some stool water/solids can be sent to a laboratory that will test the material for the presence of the rotovirus antigen (bodies) using a simple test. It seldom changes the method of treatment for the child but helps monitor the activity of the virus in the community.

Question 8

does rotavirus infection usually cause many symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes many: Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea among infants and young children
vomiting, watery diarrhea, and low-grade fever.
Symptoms often start with vomiting followed by four to eight days of profuse diarrhea. Dehydration is more common in rotavirus infection than in most of those caused by bacterial pathogens, and is the most common cause of death related to rotavirus infection.

Question 9

do symptoms like rotavirus infection go away quickly?

Accepted Answer

Some do: Rotovirus is an intestinal virus with variable symptoms and duration. Generally lasting 3-8 days, the affected kid may develop dehydration & acidosis requiring hospital based care or have a brief mild illness and self recover.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: rotavirus infection?

Accepted Answer

Rotavirus infection: = virus in  Reoviridae family which is the major cause of  diarrhea in children &amp; infants.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Rotavirus infection generally

A member asked:

Are rotavirus infections generally deadly in the united states?

A member asked:

Are rotavirus infections generally deadly in third world countries?

A member asked:

What can i do to protect my kids from my rotavirus infection?

A member asked:

Where am i or my child likely to contract a rotavirus infection?

A member asked:

I have diabetes, can a rotavirus infection cause complications?

A member asked:

I have crohn's disease, can a rotavirus infection cause complications?

A member asked:

What are the tests for rotavirus infection?

A member asked:

Does rotavirus infection usually cause many symptoms?

A member asked:

Do symptoms like rotavirus infection go away quickly?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: rotavirus infection?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?