When to worry about diarrhoea with rotavirus infection

Diarrhoea is a very common presentation of Rotavirus Infection. Vomiting and fever may occur alongside loose stools. Fluid loss matters most in babies, young children, older adults, and anyone who cannot drink reliably. A child may show fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or marked tiredness as dehydration develops.

Offer small, regular sips of an oral rehydration solution. Continue breastfeeds or usual milk feeds unless a clinician advises otherwise, and give food in small portions when appetite returns. Do not give medicines to stop diarrhoea to a child unless a healthcare professional recommends them. Wash hands carefully after toileting or changing nappies.

Call a clinician promptly if urine or wet nappies become much less frequent, the mouth is very dry, the child has no tears, dizziness or weakness is increasing, vomiting continues, or the person is difficult to wake. Seek emergency help for collapse, confusion, severe abdominal pain, bloody or black stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Babies and frail adults should be assessed early when drinking is poor.

How much oral rehydration solution should I offer? Which signs show that my child needs assessment today? Should regular feeds or medicines change? How can we reduce spread at home, nursery, or school?