How common is vomiting in rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines. Vomiting may appear before or around the same time as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fever. The illness can spread easily through contaminated hands and surfaces, especially in households, nurseries and care settings.

The main concern is loss of fluid and salts. Children, older adults and people who are already unwell can become dehydrated more quickly. Vomiting alone cannot establish that rotavirus is the cause, since other infections and non-infectious problems can look similar.

Offer frequent small sips of an oral rehydration solution. If the person vomits, pause briefly and try again with smaller amounts rather than offering a large drink at once. Continue breastfeeding, and reintroduce usual age-appropriate foods gradually when tolerated. Avoid very sugary drinks, which can aggravate diarrhoea, and do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicines to a child unless a clinician advises it.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after toileting or changing nappies and before preparing food. Clean frequently touched bathroom surfaces, and avoid sharing towels while symptoms continue.

Get urgent medical help if there is very little urine, a dry mouth, no tears, unusual sleepiness, confusion, sunken eyes, cold hands or difficulty waking. Seek prompt advice for blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, or fever in a very young infant. Emergency care is needed when a person cannot keep any fluid down or is becoming difficult to rouse.

Ask how much oral rehydration solution to offer, how to judge urine and alertness, when normal food can resume, how long to keep the person away from group settings, and whether testing or review is needed.