Rotavirus is an infection that can cause severe stomach illness (gastroenteritis).
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What is rotavirus?
Rotavirus is an infection that can cause severe stomach illness (gastroenteritis). Almost all children will have at least one rotavirus infection before they are five years of age. It is the most common cause of diarrhea and hospitalization for diarrhea in children under five years of age.
How is rotavirus spread?
Rotavirus is easily spread through contact with the stool (bowel movement) of an infected child. For example, the virus can be spread through unwashed hands of caregivers changing diapers or the hands of an infected child. The virus is often spread in child care settings, where it can live for days on toys and surfaces if they are not cleaned properly.
What are the symptoms of rotavirus?
Symptoms usually start one to three days after a child is infected with the virus. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Large amounts of watery diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth and dehydration
What are the risks of rotavirus?
Diarrhea caused by rotavirus usually lasts between four and eight days but can last longer. Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to severe dehydration and hospitalization in babies and young children. Rotavirus infection can result in death if it is not treated.
How can I prevent my child from getting rotavirus?
The best way for your child to not get rotavirus is to get immunized. The rotavirus vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get the disease. When your child gets immunized, you help protect other children as well.
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Getting vaccinated
It is recommended that all babies get the rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine is given by putting a few drops into the baby’s mouth to swallow. It is given free (publicly funded) as part of the B.C. routine immunization schedule. It is given as a series of three doses and the full series is needed for best protection.
Learn more about who should get the rotavirus vaccine.
Get immunized against rotavirus by making an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 5 years and older) or Public Health.
Resources
- Immunize Canada: Diseases and vaccines
Learn more about diseases that can be prevented by routine immunizations. - HealthLink BC: Rotavirus
Overview of rotavirus, what causes it, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. - HealthLink BC: Rotavirus Vaccine (RotaTeq®)
Rotavirus information available in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. - HealthLink BC: Rotavirus Vaccine (Rotarix®)
Rotavirus information available in English, Chinese, Farsi, French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. - B.C. Centre for Disease Control: Rotavirus
Information for the general public and health professionals on rotavirus and the rotavirus vaccine. - Caring for Kids: Rotavirus
Information for parents from Canada’s paediatricians. - I Boost Immunity
Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz. - Kids Boost Immunity
Curated lessons with interactive quizzes that mirror your province's science, health and social studies curriculum – all for free. For every quiz that students complete, they will earn a vaccine for someone in need.