Health Tip: Treating Rotavirus at Home

It's a common infection in children

(HealthDay News) -- By the time they reach age 5, nearly all children will have had a rotavirus infection. If severe enough, the infection can lead to severe diarrhea and dehydration.

The Nemours Foundation suggests ways to treat rotavirus infection at home:

• Contact your pediatrician at the first signs of illness, especially if your child shows signs of dehydration.
• Get instructions from the pediatrician on which foods and drink to give your child.
• Offer plenty of fluids, but not fruit juice or soda, which may worsen diarrhea.
• If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so throughout the course of the illness.
• Children who are mildly-to-moderately dehydrated may need small, frequent servings of beverages designed to replenish bodily fluids.
• Don't give your child over-the-counter medications for vomiting or diarrhea, unless recommended by the pediatrician.
• If your child is vomiting, feed small, frequent meals throughout the day.