Rotavirus: dehydration and prevention

Rotavirus can cause watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain, especially in children. Other conditions cause similar symptoms; yellow or green stool alone does not mean rotavirus. Assessment considers dehydration and tests when needed.

Continue breastfeeding and do not dilute formula. Ask your team about a suitable oral rehydration solution, which replaces lost water and salts, and follow preparation instructions exactly. Juice and fizzy drinks are not substitutes; do not give a child anti-diarrhoeal medicine on your own.

The virus can reach the mouth from contaminated hands and surfaces. Wash hands with soap after nappy changes and clean contact surfaces. Oral rotavirus vaccines have age limits for starting and completing doses; plan the appropriate product and schedule early with your child’s clinician. Vaccination is not complete protection or treatment for current diarrhoea.

Seek help promptly for inability to feed, markedly reduced urine or persistent vomiting. Do not assume green vomit, bloody stool or bouts of severe abdominal pain are rotavirus; they require urgent assessment, including after vaccination. Call 112 for difficulty waking, blue colouring or severe breathing difficulty.