Rotavirus is a common infection of early childhood. In fact, most kids have had rotavirus at least once before they turn 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teens and adults do not commonly get rotavirus, but those who care for young children are at a higher risk of contracting the infection, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. Because a vaccine is now available and recommended as part of a child's immunization schedule, the overall incidence of rotavirus in the United States is decreasing, the CDC reports.
Symptoms
The main symptom of rotavirus is severe diarrhea, which can be frequent and bloody. Your teen may also suffer through bouts of vomiting and develop a fever. Rotavirus can make teens tired or lethargic and they may not have the energy for daily tasks and activities. Teens and adults who develop rotavirus often have less severe symptoms than younger children, according to MayoClinic.com. These individuals may have only mild symptoms or may notice hardly any changes.
How It Spreads
Rotavirus is a highly contagious viral infection, and it can be spread both before and after symptoms develop. The virus exits the body in an infected person's stool, according to the CDC. Because young children do not always exercise good hygiene, they often spread it to other children and family members and caretakers. In some cases, respiratory droplets--from a cough or sneeze--can also pass on the infection.
Treatment
Drugs cannot be used to clear up rotavirus because a virus causes the infection. Instead, treatment centers on preventing dehydration from the fluid loss that often results, according to MayoClinic.com. Encourage your teen to drink plenty of fluids, including electrolyte solutions. If your teen develops signs of severe dehydration, including weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, little or no urine output and severe thirst, contact his doctor immediately.
Complications
Symptoms of rotavirus will typically resolve entirely within three to eight days of developing, MayoClinic.com reports. Most infections will clear without any complications, but in severe cases, dehydration can result. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization so your teen can receive intravenous fluids. You should also take your teen to the doctor if she is vomiting blood, has a lot of blood in her stool or has a fever higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prevention
Teens can avoid contracting rotavirus by avoiding contact with younger children who have the infection such as their siblings. If your teen is a baby sitter or works in a child-care setting, make sure she always carefully washes her hands after changing diapers or having contact with sick children, according to the CDC. This can prevent her from contracting rotavirus and also stop it from spreading to other children. Also, always encourage and help young children with washing their hands after using the bathroom and before and after eating.
