'Important parents are aware of the dangers': Warning as cases of highly infectious rotavirus rise by 50%
Rotavirus can cause serious complications 🏥
- Cases of rotavirus are sharply rising.
- The highly infectious bug can cause serious complications.
- Well Pharmacy’s George Sandhu is urging parents to be aware of the symptoms.
A leading pharmacist is warning about a sharp rise in rotavirus – a highly infectious winter sickness bug that can put children in hospital.
Well Pharmacy’s deputy superintendent, George Sandhu, is urging parents to be aware of the viral infection that causes stomach inflammation and can lead to stomach flu.
His warning comes as the latest government data shows the winter sickness bug is 50% higher than the five-season average across the nation.
Mr Sandhu said: “It is very important that parents and guardians are aware of the dangers of rotavirus this winter.
“There have been plenty of cases already, and Government data shows that it is on the rise as many children will be mixing at school and nursery ahead of the winter break.
“During this time of year, everyone is more susceptible to viruses, and for little ones, it often can be rotavirus that causes severe bouts of sickness and diarrhoea, leaving them very dehydrated.
“It is important to ensure your child remains hydrated - with plenty of water throughout the illness. If you are breastfeeding your child, continue to do so throughout the course of the virus, as it can aid recovery.
“It is very important to try and avoid rotavirus spreading across the family, so ensure clothes and towels are washed individually and not with the rest of the family.
“While rotavirus is a very unpleasant thing for a child, it is usually over in just around a week, and if it lasts longer, then consult your GP or call 111. You know your child better than anyone else, so trust your instincts.”
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
The symptoms of rotavirus include diarrhoea, which is often watery and vomiting, a mild fever and stomach pain. The illness lasts between three to nine days, which means that a lot of fluid can be lost, so patients need to ensure they drink water.
Parents should ask for an urgent GP appointment if their child continues being sick, has blood in their faeces or has a swollen or painful stomach.
If the child stops feeding or shows signs of dehydration - such as fewer wet nappies - then it is important to consult NHS 111 or speak to your doctor as this could be a sign of something more serious.
How does rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus spreads through poor hand hygiene after using the toilet. It is highly contagious and can be passed easily from family member to family member.
If you are changing your baby's nappy or helping a child use the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly with both soap and warm water afterwards to kill the germs.
How to prevent rotavirus?
One of the most effective ways to protect your child from rotavirus is to make sure they have the rotavirus vaccine, which is normally given to babies between the ages of eight to 12 weeks.
If your child is infected with rotavirus, keep their laundry separate from the rest of the family and wash it at 60 °C to kill the virus. Parents should also not send their child to nursery, playgroup or school until 48 hours after their last bout of sickness or diarrhoea.
Cases of rotavirus are on the rise. Find out more about symptoms, the vaccine and available treatments at NHS.UK.