Like other viruses, rotavirus cannot be treated with antibiotics, and no antiviral treatment is available.6,17
Because of vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration is one of the most significant potential complications for infected children.5,7 In some cases, an infant or toddler may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in a hospital.5
Home care therapy can be used to manage uncomplicated cases of diarrhea.16 The child is typically given fluids, such as oral electrolyte rehydration solutions, to replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting.16 Severe vomiting, however, can make such oral rehydration therapy (ORT) difficult.7
Rotavirus in young children and babies can be very upsetting for parents as well as for the child, so quick recognition of its symptoms is very important. In a severe case, a child could have more than 20 diarrhea stools or vomiting episodes in a 24-hour period.6
Call your healthcare professional immediately if your child starts to show any of the signs and symptoms of rotavirus gastroenteritis.