Rotavirus

Home Remedies for Rotavirus

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and children across the world. Most kids will experience the condition at least once by the time they turn 2 or 3 years old. Luckily, there are home remedies for rotavirus that can treat symptoms, including the most devastating consequence – dehydration.

 

What is the Rotavirus?

 

Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis and is a seasonal diarrhea that typically appears in infants and young children. Another name for the rotavirus is “winter diarrhea.” Hospitals all over the United States see nearly 50,000 admissions because of the dehydration associated with the condition. The infection is contagious.

 

Causes and Symptoms

 

Rotavirus is transmitted from hand-to-mouth contact even if an infected individual shows no signs or symptoms. People also contract the virus when they don’t wash their hands after using the toilet, change the diaper of an infected baby, touch a contaminated object, or inhale infected water droplets after someone sneezes or coughs.

 

A fever is the first symptom of rotavirus to emerge. Three to eight days of watery diarrhea follow with vomiting. Abdominal pain may arise during the infection. Adults who are generally healthy may only face mild signs and symptoms. There is also the chance of not exhibiting any symptoms. Children infected with rotavirus may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, and watery stools. The fever and vomiting may fade quickly, but the diarrhea can linger for five to seven days. Dehydration is one of the most serious complications of rotavirus to consider – especially in the young.

 

Rotavirus can linger in the stool of an infected person for several days before symptoms emerge. The virus is also present for up to 10 days after a person sees their symptoms start to fade. There is also the possibility of becoming infected more than once with repeat infections being less severe [1].

 

Rotavirus Home Remedies

 

Children ages 4 months to 24 months are the most common victims of the rotavirus, especially when they are in child care settings, such as public daycare. The elderly and childcare professionals also face an increased risk of the virus. To fight symptoms of the infection, consider the following home remedies for rotavirus:

 

a) Know the Signs:

 

Since dehydration is one of the most glaring signs of rotavirus, it is suggested to become familiar with common signs, such as dry lips and tongue, dry skin, and sunken eyes. A baby may produce fewer than six wet diapers a day. Older children will take fewer trips to the bathroom to urinate.

 

b) Hand Washing:

 

Routine hand washing is important to fight rotavirus. It is important to teach children the significance of washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet. This can help prevent the spread of rotavirus.

 

c) Bland Foods:

 

Eating bland foods, such as soda crackers and toast, is suggested for a child with rotavirus.

 

d) Drink Lots of Liquids:

 

Rehydrating the body can combat some of the symptoms of rotavirus. Encourage the consumption of liquids to fight dehydration and ease diarrhea. Make sure that they take small sips of water or clear beverages, such as broth and ginger ale. Avoid drinks, like apple juice and dairy products, which can worsen diarrhea in children.

 

e) Vinegar:

 

When achy muscles accompany a bout of dehydration, soak in a bathtub filled with warm water and eight ounces of apple cider vinegar. Stay in the tub for at least 15 minutes.

 

 

f) Ice:

 

Sucking on ice chips and small ice cubes can ease the symptoms of rotavirus.

 

g) Avoid Irritating Foods:

 

You don’t want to suffer an irritated stomach when you have rotavirus. It is suggested to avoid foods, such as dairy products and fatty or highly seasoned foods.

 

h) Curb Your Habits:

 

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine when battling a case of rotavirus.

 

i) Raisins:

 

When dehydrated, the body losses salt. Raisins offer you much-needed potassium.

 

j) Salty Foods:

 

Replacing the salt lost due to diarrhea can help ease the symptoms of mild dehydration associated with rotavirus. To replenish your body, eat foods known for their salty content, such as pretzels, Saltine crackers, or salted nuts.
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k) Popsicle:

 

Restore water loss in your body by sucking on a Popsicle, which works wonders for children.

 

l) Banana:

 

Packed with potassium, bananas have a reputation for treating dehydration. They are considered the best fruit to consume when you have rotavirus.

 

m) Watery Fruits:

 

Fruits in general are a good food to eat when you’re suffering the effects of rotavirus. The higher the water content, the better the results. A few suggestions include cantaloupe, watermelon, and strawberries.

 

n) Seasonal Precautions:

 

If you are a childcare professional, you should know that the highest risk to contract the rotavirus is during the winter and spring seasons. It is suggested to take extra precaution during this time of the year.