Rotavirus infection

In addition to the most commonly used name, there are also others: rotaviroz, RI, intestinal flu, gastric flu .

Rotavirus infection is a disease caused by rotaviruses (Rotavirus). The incubation period - from days to five, affects both children and adults alike. However, adults tolerate this disease much easier. A sick person becomes a carrier of the infection throughout the time that this illness occurs (usually about a week). After recovery, immunity is acquired. Re-infection occurs in isolated cases.

Rotavirus infection. Diagnosis

It is necessary to take into account not only clinical symptoms, but also epidemiological prerequisites. In other words, if the outbreak of the disease is already fixed, then it is necessary to pay attention to this virus. Characteristic symptoms: the onset of the disease is acute, the stool is plentiful (frequent, watery, without any admixture of blood and mucus), vomiting, fever, abdominal pain (navel area), and in some cases fever. Sometimes, during a primary examination, signs of rhinitis, hyperemia of the pharynx, enlarged lymph nodes are noted. After determining the primary signs, it is necessary to conduct more detailed, laboratory tests aimed at identifying groups of microorganisms of this kind (immunofluorescent, serological, etc. methods). It is necessary to differentiate from escherichiosis, dysentery, cholera, giardiasis, salmonellosis, etc., because the symptoms of the diseases are very similar.

Rotavirus infection. Transmission paths

The source of the virus is the carrier (a sick person). Transmission of the virus occurs with personal contact (things, poorly washed foods, etc.), through the water. It should be taken into account that the virus feels comfortable in the cold, chlorine does not kill it. The aerosol pathway has not yet been proven, but it is allowed.

Rotavirus infection. Treatment. Prevention

100% guarantee of protection does not exist, although now in development a vaccine against this virus. But reduce the risk will help the rules of hygiene, the exclusion of the appearance of foci of disease in the place (kindergartens, schools, etc.). The virus dies at high temperature, so it is advisable to boil drinking water (if you are not sure of the source cleanliness) and milk. Thoroughly wash the fruit with vegetables, it is better to pour them with boiling water.

The virus is fairly stable in the external environment, it is not afraid of the action of ethers, ultrasound, does not break down with multiple freezing. Disinfectant is ethanol (95%), which is more effective than formaldehyde, chloramine and analogues. Infectiousness is lost during boiling, treatment with alkalis and strongly active acids.

There is no specific treatment regimen. Treatment is symptomatic (withdrawal of symptoms to ease the condition) under the constant supervision of doctors (preferably in the clinic). Self-treatment is very dangerous.

Prevention can not guarantee the exclusion of the disease, but it will significantly reduce the risk of infection. Limit maximum visits to places with foci of infection (kindergartens, schools, etc.), and observe hygiene. In case of illness of someone from your family, ensure isolation of the patient (up to individual accessories and utensils, which must be treated thermally on a regular basis). Vaccination against infection does not exist yet, however, developments in this direction are under way. Perhaps the vaccine will soon appear in pharmacies.

Rotavirus infection. Diet

Along with treatment, a mandatory prerequisite is compliance with the diet. Diet with rotavirus infection excludes: milk and its products, all sorts of bread, vegetables, in which there are a lot of dietary fiber (beet, turnip, radish, cabbage, cucumber, radish, radish, spinach, daikon, grapes, apricots, plums), pears , Citrus, legumes, nuts, mushrooms, fatty, smoked, marinades, fried, fatty fish, poultry, meat (including broths from them), soda, coffee.

First time instead of bread you can eat a little biscuit biscuits (or bread crumbs of white bread, homemade), puree of boiled fruits and vegetables, soups without frying, boiled poultry, fish and meat or steam cutlets from them, tea and mineral water without gas are allowed. The food should be wiped. Eliminate or minimize salt. Food must be agreed with the doctor!

Infection requires medical supervision. Do not delay with a doctor's call and remember: an infected person creates a risk of illness for others.