What does diarrhoea feel like with rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus can irritate the intestine, so stools may become loose or watery and occur repeatedly. Cramping may come in waves before a bowel movement. Vomiting and fever can happen at the same time, making fluid loss more difficult to replace. The sensation alone cannot identify the cause; other infections and digestive problems can feel similar.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting makes drinking difficult, try a spoonful at a time and pause briefly before trying again. Continue breastfeeding if applicable, and return to simple foods as appetite improves. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet or changing a nappy, because rotavirus spreads easily.

Get urgent medical help for very little urine, a dry mouth, unusual sleepiness, faintness, inability to keep fluids down, blood in the stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, or breathing difficulty. Babies, young children, older adults, and people with long-term illnesses can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed promptly if drinking is poor.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an intestinal infection, how to judge hydration, and which drinks are suitable. Tell the clinician when the diarrhoea began, how often you are passing stool, whether vomiting or fever is present, and what you have managed to drink.