Rotavirus is one of the most common viruses during childhood. It causes a significant picture of gastroenteritis in the child and if it is not treated in time, it can cause serious problems in the child's health.
To avoid this, it is important to vaccinate the infant and prevent in this way that can become infected with such a virus.
What is rotavirus?
As we have already indicated before, rotavirus is a virus that affects intestinal transit and that usually causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in children. The danger of such symptoms is the fact that the little one can become dehydrated. This type of virus is so serious that in underdeveloped countries it causes a significant death of children. Hence the importance of vaccinating babies from a young age.
There are another series of symptoms apart from the aforementioned diarrhea and vomiting, such as stomach pain and fever. As a general rule, the virus usually lasts between 4 and 8 days.
How Rotavirus Is Spread
Rotavirus is a type of virus that spreads very easily and quickly among children. The transmission that occurs is of the fecal oral type, that is, the virus is found in the child's feces and ends up being transmitted through the dirt on the hands. Hence, it is quite important to maintain good hand hygiene.
The rotavirus vaccine
The authorities advise that all infants be vaccinated against the rotavirus virus. Otherwise, there is a high risk of contracting such a virus with the danger that this entails for the health of the child. It is quite normal that gastroenteritis contracted by such an infection can cause a child to become dehydrated.
The problem with this type of vaccine is the fact that it is not funded by the Government. This causes many families to choose not to wear it to their child due to its high price.
The rotavirus vaccine is given by mouth. Experts advise putting it in the vaccine at two months or before the baby's two weeks.
Side effects of the vaccine
There are a number of side effects that the vaccinated baby can suffer: moderate feverish state, vomiting and diarrhea. These are normal side effects of vaccines so parents should not worry at any time.
Some of the vaccine contraindications
There are a number of contraindications that parents should be aware of:
- It should not be put in the event that the child have an allergy to some of the components of the vaccine.
- It should also not be administered if the baby suffers any type of intestinal problem that may be aggravated.
- If the child has a gastrointestinal condition or has a fever, it is important to postpone the vaccine for when the child is fully recovered.
Ultimately, rotavirus is a very dangerous class of virus for infants and young children. Hence the great importance of parents vaccinating their children against rotavirus.