Shelling Out Information about Rotavirus!

🐢Great question! Rotavirus is a disease that can make your kids feel extremely sick with vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers. It’s most common in infants and young children.

🐢Before the vaccine, about 2.7 million U.S. children got sick from rotavirus each year, and it was the leading cause of severe diarrhea in young children. It is much less common now.

🐢 Yes! Even after they look and feel okay, they can still spread the virus for up to 3 days. That’s why it’s important to stay cautious for a little while after symptoms are gone.

🐢Rotavirus spreads through contact with infected stool, often by way of hands, toys, or surfaces. If your child touches something contaminated and then their mouth, they can get infected.

🐢 Wash your child’s hands often, clean and disinfect their toys, and watch for early signs of illness. Good hygiene is a big step in stopping rotavirus.

🐢Yes. In the U.S. there are two oral vaccines, RotaTeq and Rotarix. Both prevent most severe cases in babies.

🐢It's a liquid your baby swallows rather than a shot, given more than once over a few months. Your pediatrician will explain the timing that fits your child.

🐢Every family is different. Your pediatrician can tell you what makes sense for your child, and what to watch for.