The symptoms of rotavirus gastroenteritis normally begin with a rapid onset of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Your child may also have a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (101 °F) or above, and complain of abdominal (tummy) pain.
The symptoms of vomiting usually pass within one to two days. In most children, it will not last longer than three days.
The symptoms of diarrhoea usually pass within five to seven days. Most children's diarrhoea symptoms will not last more than two weeks.
Dehydration
It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of dehydration and recognise them in your child because dehydration is potentially more serious than the rotavirus infection itself.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- dry mouth and eyes
- no tears produced when the child cries
- sunken appearance of the eyes
- weakness and drowsiness
- deep, rapid breathing
- passing urine infrequently
Contact your GP for advice if you think your child has become dehydrated. If this is not possible, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
When to seek medical advice
Rotavirus gastroenteritis shares many of the initial symptoms of more serious childhood conditions. So, it is important to be alert for signs and symptoms that suggest your child has a more serious condition.
Signs and symptoms to watch out for are:
- a temperature of 38ºC (101ºF) or higher in children younger than three months
- a temperature of 39ºC (102.2ºF) or higher in children older than three months
- shortness of breath
- abnormally rapid breathing
- a change in their normal mental state, such as appearing confused
- stiff neck
- a swelling in the soft part of their head (fontanelle)
- a blotchy red rash, which (unlike most other rashes) does not fade when you put a glass against it
- blood and/or mucus in their stools (faeces)
- green vomit
- they complain of severe abdominal pain
- swelling of their abdomen
- their symptoms of vomiting last longer than three days
- their symptoms of diarrhoea last longer than two weeks
- symptoms of dehydration persist or worsen, despite treatment with fluids and oral rehydration solutions
If you notice any of the signs and symptoms listed above, call your GP for advice as soon as possible. If this is not possible, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
