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Rotavirus gastroenteritis usually lasts anything from 3-8 days. However, you can make your child more comfortable by doing the following:
Prevent DehydrationStop them becoming dehydrated by giving them frequent sips of water or unsweetened fruit juice, even if they are vomiting.
You can also add a rehydration formula to water, which is available from pharmacies. A rehydration formula will provide the correct balance the water, salt and sugar that your child loses through vomiting and diarrhoea.
FoodIf your child wants to eat, offer them soup and foods high in carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or potatoes. Do not starve your child. Dont worry if they refuse to eat just make sure that they drink plenty of liquids.
Breast or bottle feedingIf you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, continue to feed them as normal. If they are reluctant to be fed, feed them little and often.
Fever or headacheIf you child has a fever or headache, give them liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Do not give your child anti-diarrhoea medicines - they are intended for adult use only.
The younger a child is, the more likely they are to become dehydrated. Babies are especially at risk of dehydration. Signs of dehydration are:
- thirst
- dark urine
- dry flushed skin
- dry eyes
- dry mouth (xerostomia)
- furry tongue
- headache
- clammy hands and feet
- sunken eyes (enophthalmos)
- dizziness
- confusion and irritability
A dehydrated baby may also be pale and depressed with sunken eyes. You may also notice a decrease in urine output, or dry nappies. If the soft spot on your babys head is sunken this may be an indication that they are dehydrated. This soft spot is called the fontanel and usually closes up by the age of 12-18 months.
If your baby or child is showing signs of dehydration, or if diarrhoea and sickness is very severe, see your doctor urgently.
When a child is dehydrated, hospital treatment may be required, so that fluids can be given intravenously. Every year, around 18,000 children have to go into hospital to be treated for dehydration caused by rotavirus gastroenteritis.
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