Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral infection that causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. It is usually mild but can be serious in children. It is spread from oral-fecal contamination (usually dirty hands after using the toilet). It can be spread to anything a sick person touches with dirty hands – toys, door handles, and even people. Rotavirus can survive on surfaces for several days. A person can be contagious several days before symptoms show up and for up to 10 days after there are no more symptoms and can even be contagious even if they do not have any symptoms.

The most common symptoms of rotavirus in children are fever and vomiting, followed by severe watery and smelly diarrhea for about 3 – 8 days, sometimes with abdominal pain.

Other symptoms include:

• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth and throat
• Dizziness
• Crying with few or no tears
• Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

Dehydration, particularly in young children, is a serious side effect and, if left untreated, can cause death.

Call your healthcare provider if your child has:

• Diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Frequent vomiting
• Black, tarry, or bloody stool
• A fever of 104° or higher
• Seems lethargic, irritable or in pain

The rotavirus vaccine is over 85% effective at protecting against severe rotavirus infection in the first two years of life. Some babies may still get rotavirus, but the disease is usually less severe.

Rotavirus vaccine is very safe. Side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects include:

• Fussiness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

In some studies, researchers report a small increase in cases of intussusception (a bowel blockage requiring treatment in a hospital). The risk of intussusception is about 1 case for every 20,000 to 100,000 infants after vaccination. Before the vaccine, every year about 1,900 infants under age one developed intussusception.

There are two different rotavirus vaccines. Depending on the vaccine your child receives, they should be given 2 or 3 doses at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (if using the 3 dose vaccine)

Talk to your healthcare provider about what vaccines your family needs.

A little research before your child’s well baby visit can go a long way to reducing your stress and concerns. Credible information helps ensure healthy choices and builds vaccine confidence.

These organization are vaccine experts and can provide credible information:

• Immunization Action Coalition’s Rotavirus Questions and Answers
• Mayo Clinic’s Rotavirus Page
• CDC’s Rotavirus Vaccines Page