High incidence in autumn, be wary of this virus! Pick the right child and make a move
Entering the beginning of the school season, autumn is gradually becoming stronger
As the weather gradually cools down
Children who experience symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea
More and more
Experienced parents know that
This is due to acute gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus
Rotavirus cannot be seen or touched
But it's children aged 0-5 all over the world
The culprit of severe diarrhea
In the autumn and winter seasons
Its offensive is even more fierce
What is rotavirus?
What are the symptoms after infection?
How should parents prevent their children?
What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus, abbreviated as RV, is the main cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Its main transmission route is through fecal and oral routes, and it can also be transmitted through close contact or respiratory transmission. Autumn and winter are the peak seasons of the epidemic. The rotavirus is divided into eight groups, namely A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Among them, Group A is the most common type, and 90% of cases are caused by it.
Due to the immature development and weak defense ability of the gastrointestinal tract in infants and young children, they are susceptible to rotavirus attacks. Group A rotavirus is one of the most important pathogens causing severe diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide, and is also one of the main causes of death in children under 5 years old in developing countries. Almost all children under 5 years old have been infected at least once.
What are the characteristics of rotavirus?
1. Epidemic season: The main season is autumn and winter, but the disease can occur in all four seasons.
2. How to spread: Rotavirus is mainly transmitted through fecal and oral routes. The excreta or vomit of children infected with rotavirus contain a large amount of rotavirus. If food, drink, or use is contaminated with viral excreta or vomit, such as hands, clothing, utensils, etc., the rotavirus can directly or indirectly transmit to others.
3. Susceptible population: Rotavirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children. Therefore, the main population affected is children, with a high incidence age range between 6 months and 3 years old. At this stage, infants and young children lack resistance to bacteria and have poor antiviral ability, so they need to be vigilant.
4. Sources of infection: patients, asymptomatic virus carriers.
What are the manifestations of rotavirus?
Children with illness may initially experience vomiting, followed by varying degrees of diarrhea, often accompanied by fever, and in severe cases, clinical features such as high stool volume, high water volume, frequent urination, and low urine volume.
Children who are infected generally do not have a very serious condition. Proper fluid replacement can cure without medication. But when the diarrhea is severe, it cannot be ignored and timely medical attention should be sought.
Children may experience shock and even death due to severe dehydration, especially those under the age of 1. A small number of babies infected with rotavirus may also develop complications such as myocarditis, convulsions, and pneumonia, which should be taken seriously and seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Attention: If the child's symptoms do not improve within three days of treatment or if any of the following symptoms occur, they should also seek medical attention immediately:
① Increased frequency and amount of diarrhea;
② Frequent vomiting;
③ Obvious thirst;
④ Inability to eat normally;
⑤ Heat generation;
⑥ Blood in stool.
How to take care of after infection?
▶Provide sufficient water, give children oral rice soup, apple juice, etc., have a light diet, and avoid spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods.
▶ Handle children's vomit and excreta, toys, etc. in a timely manner, pay attention to washing hands, and avoid new sources of infection.
▶ Excessive frequency of diarrhea can cause perianal erosion in children. Attention should be paid to the care of the child's buttocks, such as cleaning the buttocks with warm water and applying Vaseline or hip cream after diarrhea.
▶ Pay attention to observation. If the child continues to have a fever, frequent vomiting, obvious irritability and crying, obvious thirst, inability to eat normally, reduced urine output, continuous increase in the frequency and volume of diarrhea, bloody stools, mental fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, etc. after treatment, immediate medical attention should be sought.
How to avoid infection with rotavirus?
The outbreak of rotavirus enteritis is raging, and many parents are often frightened when they see their children constantly experiencing diarrhea.
Expert physicians remind parents not to panic excessively. Rotavirus enteritis is a self limiting disease that usually takes about a week to heal. The overall treatment principle is to prevent and correct dehydration, use medication reasonably under the guidance of a doctor, and actively prevent complications.
How to prevent this disease? Pay attention to these five key points:
Firstly, there is currently no specific drug for combating rotavirus. Therefore, vaccination against rotavirus is the most effective measure to prevent acute gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus.
Secondly, babies and their caregivers should develop good hygiene habits, especially paying attention to hand hygiene, and not touching their mouth, eyes, nose, and food with dirty hands; Don't let your baby eat your hands, clean them promptly.
Thirdly, pay attention to household hygiene, keep the room well ventilated, clean the baby's utensils before use, and frequently change and wash clothes, blankets, toys, etc.
Fourthly, encourage and adhere to breastfeeding.
Fifthly, items contaminated with rotavirus should be thoroughly disinfected through various methods such as high temperature, disinfectants, or direct sunlight exposure.
Enjoy the coolness of autumn,
But also be wary of virus invasion!
Wishing you and your child health and happiness!