Infant Rotavirus Infections: Recognizing Symptoms, Opting for Treatment, and Understanding Potential Complications
Rotavirus, a highly transmissible virus causing viral gastroenteritis, is most common in infants and young children in the United States. The best way to protect against severe rotavirus is through vaccination, with two options available for infants: Rotarix (a 2-dose series) and RotaTeq (a 3-dose series), both of which are oral vaccines.
Despite vaccination, it's essential to understand how to manage rotavirus infection, particularly dehydration, which can be dangerous for infants due to their small body mass. Dehydration, the most serious symptom of rotavirus, occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance of electrolytes.
To prevent dehydration in infants with rotavirus infection, the recommended methods primarily focus on oral rehydration. This approach aims to replace lost fluids and electrolytes, continuing regular feeding, and monitoring symptoms closely.
Oral Rehydration Solutions
Giving oral rehydration solutions (ORS) such as Pedialyte or similar products in small, frequent sips can help replace fluids and important salts lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
Continuing Feeding
Continuing breastfeeding during the illness is advised, as breast milk provides hydration and nutrients, and may contain antibodies protective against rotavirus. For infants on formula, continuing feeding is also recommended; some may benefit from a lactose-free formula if intolerance occurs.
Avoiding Aggravating Foods and Drinks
Avoiding foods and drinks that may worsen diarrhea or dehydration, such as milk (if intolerant), fruit juices, sugary drinks, fatty foods, sweets, and desserts, until recovery is crucial.
Providing Bland, Easily Digested Foods
Once the infant is ready to eat solid food, providing clean water and soft, bland foods is advisable.
Seeking Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms become severe, such as high fever, bloody stools, persistent vomiting, lethargy, or extreme fatigue, as these signs may indicate severe dehydration requiring intravenous fluids.
Antibiotics or antivirals are not recommended since rotavirus is viral and self-limiting. Preventing dehydration also includes good hygiene practices to avoid spreading infection, but rehydration remains the cornerstone of managing rotavirus symptoms in infants.
Vaccination against rotavirus is effective in preventing severe infection and consequently dehydration but does not treat active dehydration. In severe cases of dehydration or excessive vomiting, treatment with IV fluids in the hospital may be necessary.
Aside from severe diarrhea and dehydration, complications of rotavirus in infants may include electrolyte imbalance and metabolic acidosis. There is no specific medication to cure rotavirus infection. Treatment aims to reduce the symptoms.
In some circumstances, a doctor may recommend testing for rotavirus to confirm a diagnosis. An ORS is a liquid that replenishes the body's fluids and electrolytes. A doctor may recommend an oral rehydration solution (ORS) if an infant is still dehydrated.
Caregivers should contact a doctor if an infant appears dehydrated, has a fever, cries nonstop, cannot keep fluids down, has excessive vomiting or diarrhea (severe cases may result in as many as 20 episodes in 24 hours), or becomes weak, lethargic, has difficulty breathing or can barely cry, appears severely dehydrated, has difficulty waking up or cannot wake up.
Symptoms of rotavirus include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Neither rotavirus vaccine completely eliminates the risk of rotavirus, and it is still possible to contract the virus after vaccination. Typically, subsequent rotavirus infections are not as severe.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if the infant has any of the above symptoms. Symptoms of dehydration in infants include no wet diapers in 3 hours, dry or sticky mouth, cracked lips, sunken eyes, sunken fontanel, few or no tears when crying, decreased activity, extreme fussiness or sleepiness, lethargy, rapid breathing, and rapid heartbeat. Caregivers must seek medical help right away if an infant shows signs of dehydration.
