Does rotavirus infection cause vomiting?

Rotavirus irritates the digestive tract, and vomiting is one way the body reacts to that irritation. Repeated vomiting can make it difficult to replace fluids lost through diarrhoea. Children may become dehydrated quickly, while adults may also need help if they cannot drink. Vomiting alone has many possible causes and does not establish that rotavirus is responsible.

After vomiting, wait briefly, then offer tiny, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution. If these stay down, gradually increase the amount. Continue breastfeeding or usual feeds as tolerated. Avoid very sugary drinks, and do not give anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medicines to a child unless prescribed or recommended by a clinician. Careful handwashing reduces spread.

Contact a clinician promptly if vomiting continues, fluids will not stay down, urination becomes much less frequent, the mouth is dry, or the person is unusually sleepy or dizzy. Seek urgent care for green or bloody vomit, severe abdominal pain, confusion, marked weakness, or difficulty waking. Infants and medically vulnerable people need a lower threshold for review.

Ask which rehydration fluid is appropriate, how to restart feeds, what dehydration signs to monitor, and when a child or adult should return for review. Tell the clinician about diarrhoea, fever, urine output, and recent contact with someone unwell.