Which specialist treats rotavirus infection?

Rotavirus is a viral cause of gastroenteritis and can bring diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, fever, and low energy. The main immediate concern is fluid loss, especially in babies, young children, older adults, and people with health conditions that make dehydration harder to tolerate.

The clinician will assess alertness, drinking, urine output, and the pattern of vomiting and diarrhoea. They may also consider other infections or causes of gastrointestinal symptoms when the course is unusual.

Offer frequent small sips of fluid. Oral rehydration therapy can replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. Continue feeding a baby if they are willing, and follow the clinician's advice about regular foods and medicines. Keep the person at home away from close contact with others while they are unwell, with careful handwashing after toilet use or nappy changes.

Seek urgent medical assessment if there is unusual sleepiness, confusion, difficulty waking, very little urine, a dry mouth with inability to drink, persistent vomiting, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or a rapidly worsening condition. Babies and young children should be assessed promptly when they seem much less responsive or are taking far less fluid than usual.

Ask how to judge hydration at home, what fluid plan is suitable for the person's age, which warning signs mean you should return, and whether vaccination is relevant for a child.