Rotavirus infections appear more and more in summer, even on holidays, and signs can be misleading. High fever, vomiting, aqueous chairs – many parents think it's just “a light enterocolitis”. But rotavirus, an extremely contagious infection, circulates and summer and can quickly lead to severe dehydration, especially in children under 5 years. Dr. Raluca Bidiga, pediatric doctor with competence in pediatric endocrinology and emergencies, He talks about the alarm signs, prevention methods and why the vaccine can save entire days of hospitalization, including in the hot season.
Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of severe gastroenteritis in young children. It is an extremely contagious virus, which is transmitted by fecal-oral-through dirty hands, contaminated objects, food or infected water. And children under 5 are the most vulnerable, especially those under 2 years, due to the high risk of dehydration through frequent vomiting and diarrhea.
From the holiday, directly to the emergency – the signs of a severe infection
Although the rotavirus is more active in the cold months, Dr. Raluca Bidiga points out that he has observed more and more in summer, including on vacation: “I remember a case of a 6 -year -old child, brought to emergencies directly from the vacation, after two days of diarrhea (he had about 10 aqueous seats/day), repeated vomiting and no other than 40.3 degrees. The parents had tried until then. ”
The child had tried eyes, the dry mouth, it was apathetic, and the pulse – weak. The diagnosis was clear: severe dehydration by rotavirus infection. Was admitted and rehydrated intravenously for 3 days. It was a happy case, with full recovery, says the doctor, but not all ends, unfortunately.
When you need to worry your symptoms
Not all episodes of diarrhea in children are severe. Sometimes, a mild enterocolitis passes with liquids and food rest. But the pediatrician Bidiga The clear difference: “A light enterocolitis allows the child to hydrate and eat. Instead, in severe forms, regardless of etiology (viral, bacterial, parasitic, etc.), dehydration occurs quickly and often requires treatment in the hospital.”
Alarm signs include:
- lethargy or accentuated drowsiness
- mouth and dried lips
- Lack of tears
- the increased decrease in the amount of urine
- frequent vomiting, impossible to control
- high fever that does not respond to treatment
- intense abdominal pain
Why is the higher summer risk
“Holidays, nurseries, pools, playgrounds – all are environments where the virus can be easily transmitted. In addition, the heat accelerates dehydration,” the pediatric doctor draws attention.
The infection is not just unpleasant. In some cases, it may have systemic effects (n.red.: It can affect the whole body, not only the digestive system, leading to severe dehydration, electrolytic imbalances or autoimmune reactions).
“The episode of severe diarrhea can lead to temporary malabsorption, protein losses and electrolyte imbalances (n.red.: Changes in the level of salts for body function),” says Dr. Bidiga.
Early viral infections may influence the risk of autoimmune diabetes
Recent research suggests that certain viral infections in the first years of life, including rotavirus, could contribute to autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.
“Experimental studies have shown that certain rotavirus stems can trigger an immune response that targets pancreatic beta cells through molecular mimicry mechanisms,” explains Dr. Raluca Bidiga.
That is, the child's immune system, instead of attacking only the virus, gets to confuse the insulin cells in the pancreas with pathogens and destroy them. This phenomenon can lead, over time, to the installation of type 1 diabetes – an incurable autoimmune disease that requires daily insulin treatment.
A study published by Perrett and collaborators in 2019 shows that, in Australia, after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination, a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes was observed in vaccinated children.
How do we protect ourselves on vacation
Holidays with children are moments of joy, but they can quickly become stressful if a digestive infection occurs. The high temperatures, the tables taken in the city, the accommodation in common spaces and contact with other children – all increase the risk of contamination with rotavirus. Therefore, hygiene measures should not be neglected, even if we are on leave and the temptation to “leave the guard down” is great.
Dr. Raluca Bidiga points out that many infections appear precisely during the holidays, especially when the little ones are exposed to unknown sources of water or food or spend time in crowded spaces, such as pools, playgrounds or all-inclusive springs.
“Rigorous hygiene remains one of the best forms of protection, especially in the case of young children who take their hands very frequently and cannot respect the rules of prevention,” stresses the pediatrician.
Recommendations Dr. Bidiga for families on vacation:
- Wash your hands frequentlyespecially before the meal and after using the toilet (and in adults not just in children)
- Use bottled water for babies and young children including the preparation of milk formula
- Avoid hot foods or those that are not thermally prepared (such as ready -cut fruits or raw egg desserts)
- Sanitize toys and objects that the child touches and puts in his mouth, especially in collective environments
- Use alcohol -based disinfectant When you do not have access to soap water and water
- Avoid close contact with other sick children Or which have symptoms (fever, cough, diarrhea) even if their parents say “it's just something easy”
An added care these days can mean a holiday without roads at the hospital and without lost days due to fever and dehydration.
Anti-Rotavirus vaccine: when, how and why
The anti-Rotavirus vaccine is optional in Romania, but recommended. It is administered orally, in 2 or 3 doses (depending on the type), starting with 6 weeks of life, and must be completed before 6 months.
“It is well tolerated by most children. But, as in any medicine, there are (rare) contraindications and side effects (usually minor), which is why it is administered on recommendation and under medical supervision,” the doctor says.
Child vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated child: What is the difference?
“Vaccinated children can do the infection, but usually the shapes are easier, shorter and without the need for hospitalization. Unvaccinated children have an increased risk of severe dehydration, hospitalization and complications, especially in the first 2 years of life,” summarizes the pediatric doctor.
Important: If the optimum vaccination period (6-24 weeks) has been exceeded, the vaccine is no longer recommended, due to the theoretical risk of intestinal invagination (n.red.: form of intestinal obstruction in which part of the intestine enters another neighboring portion).
5 myths frequent myths about rotavirus and vaccine – and what the doctor says
Over time, around the rotavirus and vaccine have been outlined, numerous wrong ideas or incomplete interpretations, transmitted from parents to parents, online groups or lack of correct information. In fact, rotavirus infection is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in young children, and complications frequently occur in the absence of care or careful monitoring.
Dr. Raluca Bidiga explains why some beliefs are dangerous and what parents should know:
“Rotavirus infection is always mild.”
False. Even if many children go through light shapes, not everyone has this luck. “Annually, thousands of children are admitted for complications.” And in cases with severe dehydration, rapid medical intervention is essential to prevent dangerous imbalances.
“We better do the disease than the vaccine.”
The idea that natural disease is more “educational” for the immune system is misleading. “Natural disease does not give perfect immunity and involves risks,” says Dr. Bidiga. In fact, after a natural infection, the child can do the disease again, and each episode increases the risk of intestinal or malabsorption.
“The vaccine is dangerous, but the infection does not.”
This is one of the most widespread fears. But vaccines go through years of continuous research, testing and monitoring. “The vaccine is subjected to rigorous tests and post-commercialization monitoring,” the doctor points out. Unlike a severe infection, the vaccine has a very good safety profile, and the side effects are generally light and transient (fever, irritability, temporary digestive discomfort).
These myths often persist from an authentic care of parents. But when we choose to inform ourselves from correct medical sources, we can make decisions that protect the health of the child not only in the short term, but also in the long term.
