Tummy Troubles

Every mom has consoled her preschooler or toddler during a bout with a stomach bug, and one of the most likely culprits for this condition is rotavirus — a highly contagious virus that is known for spreading quickly among young children, especially during the winter months.

Often spread through daycare centers, rotavirus is a common cause of childhood nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. By following a few simple steps, however, parents can help keep their homes and children rotavirus-free.

Two immunizations are currently available to prevent rotavirus — Rotarix® and RotaTeq®.

“Both of these vaccines have been through extensive testing and are equally effective in protecting children,” said Harley A. Rotbart, MD, pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital and Professor and Vice Chairman of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine. “Children who are vaccinated have a significantly reduced chance of catching rotavirus. If they do get the virus, it will likely be a very mild strain.”

Work at Home

Another step parents can take to help keep rotavirus out of their homes is to pay careful attention to hygiene and sanitation.

Dr. Rotbart, who is also the author of Germ Proof Your Kids: The Complete Guide to Protecting (without Overprotecting) Your Family from Infections, recommends regular handwashing, cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms with a bleach-containing disinfectant and careful preparation and handling of food.

“Parents can be very strict about sanitation at home but often struggle with the germs and bugs their kids may bring home from school,” Dr. Rotbart said. “I recommend bringing alcohol-based sanitizer to school when you pick up your child and having him or her use it before getting into the car to avoid bringing germs home. When you’re selecting a daycare center, talk with the staff about their hygiene protocol.”

When to Worry

One of the most important steps for parents is to recognize and respond to rotavirus.

“Rotavirus can present different symptoms in different children,” Dr. Rotbart said. “Vomiting and diarrhea are typical, but fever and abdominal cramps also are normal symptoms.”

When a child has rotavirus, it’s important for parents to keep him or her as hydrated as possible. Taking a few sips of mineral-infused liquid such as Pedialyte® beginning at the onset of diarrhea is ideal, but ask a physician or your child’s pediatrician about how much your child needs since the proper amount varies by age and weight.

“If a baby or toddler gets dehydrated — which may be indicated by fewer wet diapers, dry crying or a dry mouth — it’s important to immediately seek your pediatrician’s help,” Dr. Rotbart said. “Early recognition and prevention or treatment of dehydration are key to a quick recovery from rotavirus.”

For more information about rotavirus, visit www.thechildrenshospital.org and search for “rotavirus.”