Rotavirus factsheet
Introduction
Rotavirus is a common virus in children that causes a more serious type of gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis causes vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads easily.
Rotavirus spreads through contact with vomit or poo from an infected person. In Australia, it is more common in winter.
Most children will have at least one rotavirus infection by age three.
Some children are more at risk of severe illness, including those who are:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- living with immune system problems
- recovering from an organ transplant
- living with digestive system conditions.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 1–3 days after infection and can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea – watery poo that is hard to control
- fever
- dehydration
- drowsiness.
Symptoms range from mild to severe.
After recovery, your child’s poo can still be infectious for up to two months.
Children can get rotavirus more than once. The first time is usually the most serious, and later infections tend to be milder.
See your local doctor as soon as possible if your child has symptoms of rotavirus.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually diagnose rotavirus based on your child’s symptoms.
Sometimes they may need to test a sample of your child’s:
- blood
- poo
- urine.
Treatment
Rotavirus usually gets better in about five days. It is treated at home with rest and fluids.
Children lose a lot of water through vomiting and diarrhoea, so it is important to give them regular fluids.
See your local doctor or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 if your child:
- refuses to drink
- is very tired or drowsy
- is not improving or is getting worse.
Severe dehydration may need treatment in hospital.
Management
Preventing the spread of rotavirus
Rotavirus spreads easily through contact with infected poo or vomit.
To lower the risk of it spreading to other people in your household:
- wash hands with soap and water:
- regularly
- after changing nappies or cleaning up vomit
- before handling or eating food
- use disposable nappies with elastic leg bands to prevent poo leaks
- throw away used nappies and tissues in a separate, tied bag
- clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with vomit or poo
- clean and disinfect your child’s toys and shared items often
- keep your child home from daycare, school, and activities if unwell.
Rotavirus immunisation
The rotavirus vaccine helps prevent severe diarrhoea and vomiting.
It is free under the National Immunisation Program and is given as a liquid into your baby’s mouth at two and four months of age.
Some children may still get rotavirus after being vaccinated, but symptoms are usually mild.
The vaccine must be given within strict age limits:
- the first dose must be given before 14 weeks and 6 days
- the second dose must be given before 24 weeks and 6 days.
Talk to your doctor if you are unsure. They can check your baby’s immunisation record.
The vaccine is not recommended for older children or adults.
Before having the vaccine, tell your doctor or nurse if your child:
- is unwell or has a fever over 38.5°C
- has ever had a serious allergic reaction
- has digestive system conditions
- has had intussusception - where the bowel folds into itself
- is taking steroid medicine
- has ever received donated blood
- has a weakened immune system
- lives with someone who has a weakened immune system.
Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about the rotavirus vaccine.
