Rotavirus infection medical therapy
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
There is no specific antiviral treatment for Rotavirus. The treatment involves management of symptoms and, most importantly, maintenance of hydration.
Medical Therapy
- Treatment of diarrhoea caused by rotavirus
- Rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution is a mixture of clean water, salt and sugar. It costs a few cents per treatment. oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution is absorbed in the small intestine and replaces the water and electrolytes lost in the faeces.
- Zinc supplements-with zinc supplements reduce the duration of a diarrhoea episode by 25% and are associated with a 30% reduction in stool volume.
- Rehydration with intravenous fluids in case of severe dehydration or shock.
- Nutrient-rich foods the vicious circle of malnutrition and diarrhoea can be broken by continuing to give nutrient-rich foods including breast milk during an episode, and by giving a nutritious diet including exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to children when they are well.
- Consulting a health professional , in particular for management of persistent diarrhoea or when there is blood in stool or if there are signs of dehydration.
- Note (1): Rotavirus and Escherichia coli are the two most common etiological agents of diarrhoea in developing countries.
- Note (2): There is no antiviral drug to treat rotavirus infection. Antibiotic drugs will not help because antibiotics fight against bacteria not viruses.
- Note (3): Rotavirus infection can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration (loss of body fluids). During rotavirus infection, infants and young children, older adults, and people with other illnesses are most at risk becoming dehydrated.
- Note (4): Symptoms of dehydration include decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up. A dehydrated child may also cry with few or no tears and be unusually sleepy or fussy.