What does vomiting feel like with rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus inflames the digestive tract. Vomiting can begin with queasiness and stomach tightening, then recur with diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. A person may become tired, thirsty, dry-mouthed, or less interested in food as fluid is lost. Babies and young children can become dehydrated quickly, and they may not be able to explain dizziness or thirst, so changes in wet nappies, tears, alertness, and drinking are useful observations.

Offer small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution, especially to a child, and continue gradually if each sip stays down. Breastfeeding can usually continue. Avoid forcing a large drink at once, and ask a clinician before giving anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicines to a child. Wash hands with soap and water and clean shared surfaces carefully because the infection spreads readily.

Seek urgent care for unusual sleepiness, confusion, fainting, blood in vomit or stool, severe pain, repeated vomiting, very few wet nappies or trips to the toilet, a dry mouth, no tears, or an inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician early for a young baby, an older adult, or anyone with a serious long-term condition.

Ask how much fluid to offer, which dehydration signs to monitor, whether the child needs examination, and when normal feeding or childcare can resume. Explain the number of wet nappies or urinations and how often vomiting and diarrhoea have occurred.