Does childhood immunisation treat rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus commonly causes watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and loss of fluids. Immunisation prepares the immune system before exposure and helps reduce the risk of severe disease; it does not clear virus after symptoms begin. Care during illness focuses on replacing fluids and watching for dehydration. Antibiotics do not treat rotavirus because it is a viral infection.

Continue breastfeeds or offer frequent small amounts of suitable oral fluids. Follow professional advice about oral rehydration solutions, especially when vomiting or diarrhoea continues. Keep hands clean after changing nappies and clean soiled surfaces carefully, because rotavirus spreads readily through contact with contaminated hands or objects. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicines to a child unless a clinician recommends them.

Arrange urgent assessment if the child is very sleepy, has a dry mouth, sunken eyes, few wet nappies, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool or cannot drink. Emergency help is needed for collapse, severe weakness, breathing difficulty or a child who is difficult to wake. Infants and children with other medical conditions can become dehydrated quickly.

Ask which fluids are suitable, how to count wet nappies, when the child can return to childcare, whether the immunisation schedule is complete, and which dehydration signs require immediate review.