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Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis for Australian babies and preschool children. Rotavirus is a form of viral gastroenteritis. Most children have had at least one infection by the age of three.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis is usually more severe than other types of gastroenteritis and estimates suggest that it accounts for about 115,000 doctor visits every year.
Vaccination is available free of charge to all Victorian babies. See your doctor or consult with your local government immunisation service provider for more information.
Symptoms
The symptoms and signs of rotavirus gastroenteritis range from mild to potentially life threatening, and may include:
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Sudden onset of diarrhoea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Drowsiness
- Shock.
How it is spread
In Victoria and other temperate regions of Australia, rotavirus gastroenteritis tends to be more common during winter. Infection is caused by person-to-person contact such as touching contaminated hands, faeces, vomit or saliva, or by drinking contaminated water or food. The onset of symptoms occurs one to three days after infection. Once the child recovers, their faeces can remain infectious for up to two months.
Infection can occur several times
It is possible to be infected with rotavirus several times. The first infection is usually the most severe. Repeated infections build up the person’s natural immunity. For example, after the first infection, about four out of 10 children never get sick with rotavirus gastroenteritis again. The remainder are likely to experience less severe symptoms after later infections.
High-risk groups
Certain people are at increased risk of severe or even life-threatening symptoms. High-risk groups include:
- Aboriginal children
- Children or adults with immune system problems
- Organ transplant patients
- People with gastrointestinal problems such as short gut syndrome.
Diagnosis
Tests used to diagnose rotavirus gastroenteritis may include:
- Medical history including immunisation status
- Physical examination
- Laboratory testing of a stool sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Most children have a mild illness that can be treated at home and which resolves within five days. Treatment options may include:
- Plenty of fluids
- Oral rehydration drinks, available from your pharmacist
- Plenty of rest.
See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital if your child refuses to drink or has worrying symptoms: for example, very frequent diarrhoea or vomiting, listlessness or drowsiness. Admission to hospital and intravenous fluid replacement may be needed in severe cases.
Prevention
Immunisation can dramatically reduce the risk of future infections, but general tips to prevent spreading the disease if someone is infected include:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after changing a nappy.
- Use disposable nappies while the child is sick – the elasticised leg bands help to prevent leakage of contaminated faeces.
- Dispose of nappies and used tissues carefully.
- Wash and disinfect the change table often.
- Wash and disinfect toys and other shared items regularly.
- Keep sick babies and children at home – rotavirus gastroenteritis can spread quickly through a creche or kindergarten.
- Wash your hands before handling, preparing or eating food or drink.
Immunisation is available
In Victoria, a free vaccine is available for all babies. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the rotavirus and works by prompting the body to make antibodies. In most cases, immunised children are protected against infection. However, no vaccine is 100 per cent effective. Occasionally, an immunised child will contract rotavirus gastroenteritis but the symptoms are usually mild.
The vaccine is delivered by mouth (oral) and is made up of three separate doses given at two, four and six months of age. To ensure effectiveness, it is important that the vaccine is given as close to these ages as possible. If a baby has not received the first dose by 12 weeks and six days of age, they should not receive any doses of the vaccine.
The oral rotavirus vaccine is available at the same time as other free vaccines in the National Immunisation Program. No special diet or dietary restrictions are required before or after vaccination. Giving the vaccine to older children (‘catch-up’ vaccination) is not recommended because the safety and effectiveness of the oral rotavirus vaccine have not been confirmed in older children.
Before vaccination
Before receiving the vaccine, make sure that you tell your doctor or nurse if your child:
- Is older than the recommended age ranges for the first and last dose
- Is unwell (temperature over 38.5˚C)
- Has had a serious reaction to any vaccine
- Has had a severe allergy to anything
- Has had a ‘live’ vaccine in the last month
- Is taking steroid medication
- Has received a blood transfusion or blood products
- Has lowered immunity due to immune deficiency, abnormal blood conditions or disorders, cancer, HIV or certain medications
- If someone in your household has lowered immunity.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
The oral rotavirus vaccine is effective and safe. However, all medicines can have unwanted side effects. Side effects from the oral rotavirus vaccine are uncommon, usually mild and resolve quickly. They may include:
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting.
See your doctor for further information if you are worried about your baby.
Anaphylaxis is an extremely rare side effect
There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction to any vaccine. This is why you are advised to keep your child at the clinic or medical surgery for at least 15 minutes following vaccination in case further treatment is required.
Treating mild side effects
Side effects usually resolve quickly. However, there are a number of treatment options to reduce the side effects of the vaccination:
- Paracetamol to reduce any fever – check the label for the correct dose (especially for children)
- Extra drinks
- Appropriate clothing – do not overdress.
- If reactions are severe and persistent, or if you are worried, contact your doctor for further information.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
- Emergency department of your nearest hospital
- Your local council immunisation service
- Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- Immunisation Program - Department of Health Victoria, Tel. 1300 882 008
- The Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day Tel. 132 229
- National Immunisation Infoline Tel. 1800 671 811
Things to remember
- Rotavirus is a common cause of severe gastroenteritis for babies and preschool children.
- Infection is caused by person-to-person contact such as touching contaminated hands or faeces.
- Vaccination is available free of charge to all Victorian babies.
You might also be interested in:
Gastroenteritis - an overview.
Gastroenteritis in children.
Immunisation - childhood.
Immunisation - common misconceptions.
Infections - bacterial and viral.
Vaccines.
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