Symptoms of children with acute diarrhea caused by Rotavirus

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Tran Thanh Phuoc - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute diarrhea in infants and young children. Symptoms of rotavirus disease often appear suddenly, if not treated promptly, can lead to dehydration, life-threatening electrolyte disturbances.

Not only in Vietnam but also around the world, Rotavirus is also one of the dangerous pathogens causing diarrhea in young children. Most children between the ages of 2 and 3 have had at least one rotavirus infection. Rota virus has 4 types: A, B, C, D in which type A is the most common type.
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus is frustrating for both young children and parents. The disease can be treated at home, however, in cases of severe dehydration, the child needs to be taken to the hospital for intravenous fluids. When acute diarrhea caused by Rotavirus causes dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, high risk of death.
Rotavirus can be easily transmitted by fecal-oral, respiratory routes. Children can be infected both before and after an illness with diarrhea.

About 1 to 2 days after a child is infected with rotavirus, they may start showing symptoms of rotavirus disease. Some cases can have a longer incubation period, lasting from 4 to 7 days. Symptoms of acute diarrhea caused by Rotavirus include:
Vomiting Diarrhea Watery loose stools Mild fever Abdominal pain Crying Cough Runny nose Fatigue. Children infected with rotavirus may vomit for about 6-12 hours before the onset of diarrhea. Vomiting lasts about 2-3 days. At first, children vomit a lot, the degree of vomiting decreases when diarrhea begins.
Loose stools full of water, may be green like sauerkraut or appear sputum, viscous. Diarrhea caused by rotavirus, the stool will not contain blood, this is an important feature to differentiate from bacterial diarrhea. Diarrhea will gradually increase for a few days and then begin to subside. Diarrhea lasts for 3-9 days.
Prolonged diarrhea, vomiting and diarrhea, uncomfortable body sucking, poor eating makes children easily dehydrated. It is necessary to add enough water and electrolytes for children. Severe dehydration and salt loss can lead to a life-threatening stroke. Symptoms of dehydration include: constant thirst, dry lips, dry skin, dry tongue, little urine, fussiness.
Although acute diarrhea caused by Rota virus can be treated at home, if there are serious signs, the child should be taken immediately to the hospital for examination. See a doctor if your child has the following signs:
Severe diarrhea Bloody stools Vomiting continuously for more than 3 hours High fever over 39 degrees Uncomfortable crying Consciousness Irritability Signs of love dehydration Acute diarrhea caused by Rotavirus not only makes children uncomfortable but also has a direct risk to children's lives. The best way is to proactively prevent disease by getting vaccinated. Currently, there are two types of Rota-related diarrhea vaccines that are widely used, including: Rotarix vaccine made in Belgium and Rotateq vaccine made in the US. These two vaccines are both manufactured by major pharmaceutical companies in the world and are highly regarded for their effectiveness in immunization.
Rotarix vaccine (Belgium): 2 doses; The first dose is given at 6 weeks of age and 4 weeks after the next dose. Rotavirus vaccine should be given to infants before 24 weeks of age.
Rotateq vaccine (USA): 3 doses; 1st dose between 7-12 weeks of age, remaining two doses one month apart, 3rd dose must be finished by 32
weeks

Reference source: Department of Preventive Medicine - Ministry of Health