What happens if rotavirus infection is not treated?

Rotavirus infects the gut and commonly causes watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever. Losing fluid faster than it is replaced can cause dehydration. In a baby or young child, this may appear as fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, unusual sleepiness, or sunken eyes.

More severe dehydration can affect circulation and the body’s salt balance. A child who cannot keep fluids down may deteriorate quickly. The infection can also spread easily through vomit or stool, particularly in households, nurseries, and other close-contact settings.

Offer small, frequent sips of an oral rehydration solution rather than relying only on plain water. Continue breastfeeding or usual milk feeds when possible, and offer food again as the child is able to eat. Oral rehydration therapy replaces both fluid and salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting.

Wash hands carefully with soap and water after changing nappies or using the toilet, and clean contaminated surfaces. Keep the child away from childcare or school according to local infection-control advice. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicines to a child unless a clinician recommends them.

Get urgent medical help if a child is very sleepy, difficult to wake, has very few wet nappies, cannot keep any fluid down, has blood in the stool, severe stomach pain, breathing difficulty, or signs of collapse. Seek advice promptly for a baby, a child with a long-term condition, or diarrhoea and vomiting that are not improving.

Ask: How much oral rehydration solution should my child take? Which signs show dehydration? When can normal feeds resume? Could another infection be causing these symptoms, and when is a review needed?