What is it?

Rota virus is a virus that causes vomiting, temperatures and severe diarrhea. It is a major cause of childhood deaths. Children with this get severe gastro and loose fluids very fast. If your child is under 2 it is very dangerous.


What

are the symptoms?

It usually starts as a temperature and vomiting or sore tummy. Then comes the diarrhea. Its watery and will usually last a week or 2. When its severe they can get  very dehydrated very fast so if your child is under 2 please take them to the hospital immediately. The dehydration assosiated with Roto Virus can result in death.

What is the treatment?

Babies and young children that get sick and dehydrated may need to go to hospital and put on an IV for fluids. Most older children can be looked after at home. You will not get antibiotics for RotoVirus because its a virus.
Home treatment is lots of fluid and rest.


Is it contagious?

YES! It is extremely contagious. It passes on the poo of the infected person or child even before they have any symptoms of having the illness. It is often passes through children if they put their hands in their mouths after touching something that is infected with the germ. So always wash your hands and your childs hands reguarly!