Gastroenteritis (the stomach flu) presents with diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Rotavirus gastroenteritis is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children, and almost all children have been infected with rotavirus by age five. In addition, children with severe rotavirus diarrhea are more likely to be hospitalized with dehydration than are children with other viral causes of diarrhea. The disease is more common during cooler months, typically from November to May. Rotavirus is very contagious, readily being spread from infant to infant. No specific therapy is available.

So what's the good news?

In February of 2006, the Rotateq vaccine was made available. This is an oral immunization (no shots required!) that is normally given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. Rotateq is very good at preventing the diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus. About 98 percent of vaccinated children are protected from severe diarrhea and 74 percent will not get rotavirus at all.

Your doctor at Carousel Pediatrics will discuss rotavirus and the Rotateq vaccine with you at your baby’s check-up visit.

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