In addition to the most commonly used name, there are others: rotavirosis, RI, intestinal flu, gastric flu .
Rotavirus infection is a disease caused by rotavirus (Rotavirus). The incubation period - from a day to five, affects equally both children and adults. However, adults suffer this disease much more easily. A sick person becomes a carrier of infection throughout the entire time that the disease progresses (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 the epidemiological background. In other words, if the outbreak is already fixed, then you should pay attention to this particular virus. Characteristic symptoms: the onset of the disease is acute, the stool is plentiful (frequent, watery, without impurities of blood and mucus), vomiting, fever, pain in the abdomen (navel), in some cases - fever. Sometimes, during the initial examination, signs of rhinitis, hyperemia of the pharynx, and an increase in 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 genus (immunofluorescence, serological, and other methods). It is necessary to differentiate from Escherichiosis, dysentery, cholera, giardiasis, salmonellosis, etc., since the symptoms of the diseases are very similar.
Rotavirus infection. Transmission ways
The source of the virus is the carrier (diseased person). The transmission of the virus occurs through personal contact (things, poorly washed products, etc.), through water. It must be taken into account that the virus feels comfortable in the cold, chlorine does not kill it. Aerosol transmission has not yet been proven, but allowed.
Rotavirus infection. Treatment. Prevention
One hundred percent guarantee of protection does not exist, although a vaccine against this virus is now in development. But hygiene rules will help reduce the risk , eliminating the appearance of foci of disease in places (kindergartens, schools, etc.). The virus dies at high temperature, so it is advisable to boil drinking water (if you are not sure about the purity of the source) and milk. Fruits with vegetables are washed thoroughly, it is better to sprinkle them with boiling water.
The virus is quite stable in the environment, it is not afraid of the action of ethers, ultrasound, it does not deteriorate after repeated freezing. The disinfectant is ethanol (95%), which is more effective than formaldehyde, chloramine and analogues. Infectiousness is lost during boiling, treatment with alkalis and potent acids.
There is no specific treatment regimen. The treatment is symptomatic (withdrawal of symptoms to alleviate the condition) under the constant supervision of doctors (preferably in the clinic). Self-medication is very dangerous.
Prevention cannot guarantee the exclusion of the disease, but will significantly reduce the risk of infection. Limit visits to places with foci of infection (kindergartens, schools, etc.) as much as possible; observe hygiene. In case of illness, someone from your family provide isolation of the patient (up to individual accessories and utensils that must be thermally treated regularly). Vaccination against infection does not yet exist, however, development in this direction is underway. Perhaps the vaccine will soon appear in pharmacies.
Rotavirus infection. Diet
Along with medical treatment, a diet is a prerequisite. The diet for rotavirus infection excludes: milk and products from it, all types of bread, vegetables that contain a lot of dietary fiber (beets, turnips, radishes, cabbage, cucumbers, radishes, radishes, spinach, daikon, grapes, apricots, plums), pears , citrus, legumes, nuts, mushrooms, fatty, smoked meats, marinades, fried, fatty fish, poultry, meat (including broths from them), soda, coffee.
At first, instead of bread, you can use a few biscuit cookies (or home-made crackers of white bread), mashed potatoes from 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. Food must be mashed. Eliminate or minimize salt. Meals must be agreed with the doctor!
Infection requires medical supervision. Do not delay with a doctorβs call and remember: an infected person creates a risk of illness to others.