Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Treatment for Rotavirus | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
Can you please tell me a little about "rotavirus?" My daughter may have it. Do I need to get some medication for it or just let it run its course?
— Kelmomma in Magnolia, TX | | | ANSWER |
July 22, 2002 | | | Dear Kelmomma,
Rotavirus is a very common viral infection of infants and young children that causes vomiting and/or diarrhea, with or without fever. Since it usually occurs in the winter in temperate climates, it has been called "the wintertime vomiting and diarrhea illness of children." There is no specific medicine for this disease, so it just has to run its course. In the United States and other developed countries, the vast majority of children who get rotavirus do just fine. The main danger of this disease is dehydration, so it is very important to replace fluids and electrolytes lost in vomit and stools with oral electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte). If your daughter has vomiting and/or diarrhea, you should speak with her healthcare provider about how to keep her from getting dehydrated.
— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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