What should you know about rotavirus diarrhoea?

The virus irritates the stomach and intestines. Watery stools may occur with vomiting, cramps, fever, poor appetite, and tiredness. Rotavirus spreads through tiny traces of stool on hands, surfaces, food, or objects. The main concern is dehydration, especially for infants and people unable to drink normally. Diarrhoea can also have causes such as Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning, Food Intolerance, or Coeliac Disease.

Offer small, frequent drinks. Oral rehydration solution replaces water and salts; prepare it exactly as directed. Continue breastfeeding and offer usual foods when tolerated. Wash hands with soap and water after toileting or changing nappies, and clean contaminated surfaces. Do not share towels, cups, or utensils while ill.

Seek urgent advice for unusual sleepiness, confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, dry mouth, blood in stool, or severe abdominal pain. Infants can dehydrate quickly; contact a clinician early if feeds fall or wet nappies become less frequent.

Could this be rotavirus or another infection? How should oral rehydration solution be used? Which dehydration signs need urgent review? When can normal activities resume?