What is Rotavirus Infection

Rotavirus infection may also be called the stomach flu. This condition is caused by a virus. This virus can be passed from person to person very easily (is very contagious).

This condition may affect your stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. It can cause sudden watery diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.

Diarrhea and vomiting can make you feel weak and cause you to become dehydrated. You may not be able to keep fluids down.

Dehydration can make you tired and thirsty, cause you to have a dry mouth, and decrease how often you urinate. Older adults and people with other diseases or a weak defense system (immune system) are at higher risk for dehydration.

It is important to replace the fluids that you lose from diarrhea and vomiting. If you become severely dehydrated, you may need to get fluids through an IV tube.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by rotavirus. You can get sick by eating food, drinking water, or touching a surface contaminated with this virus. You can also catch a virus by sharing utensils or other personal items with an infected person.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in people:

• Who have a weak immune system.
• Who live with one or more children who are younger than 2 years old.
• Who live in a nursing home.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may occur 1–4 days after you become infected. The most common symptoms are watery diarrhea and vomiting. You may also have fever. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain in the abdomen.
• Chills.
• Weakness.
• Nausea.
• Loss of appetite.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. You may also have a stool test to check for the virus.

How is this treated?

This condition typically goes away on its own. The focus of treatment is to restore lost fluids (rehydration). Your health care provider may recommend that you take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace important salts and minerals (electrolytes) in your body. Severe cases of this condition may require giving fluids through an IV tube.

Treatment may also include medicine to help with your symptoms.

Follow these instructions at home:

Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to care for yourself at home.

Eating and drinking

Follow these recommendations as told by your health care provider:

• Take an ORS. This is a drink that is sold at pharmacies and retail stores.
• Drink clear fluids in small amounts as you are able. Clear fluids include water, ice chips, diluted fruit juice, and low-calorie sports drinks.
• Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts as you are able. These foods include bananas, applesauce, rice, lean meats, toast, and crackers.
• Avoid fluids that contain a lot of sugar or caffeine, such as energy drinks, sports drinks, and soda.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid spicy or fatty foods.

General instructions

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Wash your hands often. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Make sure that all people in your household wash their hands well and often.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Rest at home while you recover.
• Watch your condition for any changes.
• Take a warm bath to relieve any burning or pain from frequent diarrhea episodes.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You cannot keep fluids down.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have new symptoms.
• You feel light-headed or dizzy.
• You have muscle cramps.

Get help right away if:

• You have chest pain.
• You feel extremely weak or you faint.
• You see blood in your vomit.
• Your vomit looks like coffee grounds.
• You have stools that are bloody or black, or stools that look like tar.
• You have a severe headache, a stiff neck, or both.
• You have a rash.
• You have severe pain, cramping, or bloating in your abdomen.
• You have trouble breathing or you are breathing very quickly.
• Your heart is beating very quickly.
• Your skin feels cold and clammy.
• You feel confused.
• You have pain when you urinate.
• You have signs of dehydration, such as:
  • Dark urine, very little urine, or no urine.
  • Cracked lips.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Sunken eyes.
  • Sleepiness.
  • Weakness.