The rotavirus is a pretty common virus in children, and virtually all children will have experienced some form of the virus by their third birthday. It is not uncommon for children to become infected with the virus several times during the early years of life. The virus affects adults as well as children, but not nearly to the extent that it affects children, and the infection is usually mild in adults. In the United States alone, the virus affects over 400,000 people annually, resulting in around 200,000 emergency room visits and 50,000 to 60,000 hospital stays. Approximately 50 to 60 people each year die from the viral infection.

These statistics alone leave many parents wondering what exactly 'rotavirus' is and how they can better protect your children from contracting the virus. As evidenced above, rotavirus is fairly common and clears on its own with no adverse affects in about half of the cases. So though it can be a cause for concern, it is very rarely deadly.

For those who are wondering, the rotavirus affects the intestinal tract and is often the culprit in most cases of severe diarrhea in infants and children throughout the world. It received its name from the wheel-like appearance of the virus when viewed beneath a microscope. Though children can contract the virus any time during the year, it is most prevalent during the winter months.

Your child may be suffering from a rotavirus infection if he exhibits symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Some children will also suffer from abdominal pain and experience several episodes of extremely watery diarrhea during the day. The virus normally runs it course in three to nine days. Children do not develop complete immunity after an initial episode, but repeated episodes become less and less severe.

Dehydration can be problem when children are infected with rotavirus, so it is important that the child gets plenty of liquids. Some signs that your child may be suffering from dehydration include cool dry skin, dry mouth, lethargy, and extreme thirst. Consult your pediatrician if you are having concerns in this area.

The rotavirus is highly contagious and is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, so it is imperative that children practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap after each bathroom use. If a child infected with rotavirus touches a surface with contaminated hands, the virus can easily be passed to another child who touches the surface and then touches his mouth.

You can protect your child from the rotavirus by having him vaccinated. Infants are allowed to be given the vaccine up to around eight months in age. It is administered orally in three doses, and approximately 75% of children who receive the vaccine never contract the virus, and those who do usually only experience mild cases. A small percentage of children who receive the vaccine experience mild adverse affects within a week of being vaccinated., but the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh disadvantages. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your child after he is vaccinated.