The Nastiest Virus I Know

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Once, my oldest daughter had diarrhea for 10 days!  N-A-S-T-Y!  By the second day it was green and smelled horrible.

That was my introduction to Rotavirus.

She has thrown up when she got the virus, but usually she just gets a fever and diarrhea. The diarrhea was usually green because the food doesn’t stay in her body long enough to let the bacteria turn it brown.

Another unpleasant fact is that the rotavirus diarrhea has a particular smell.  It’s different from “regular” diarrhea and once you smell it you will not forget it.

As a parent it made me feel helpless, sad, and nauseated when it was time to change her diapers.

I think the worst part is that it made her not want to eat.  It’s awful to see your child not eat day after day.

I couldn’t just offer her favorite things to her because the first thing the doctor said was, “Don’t give her any fruits, vegetables, meats, or dairy.”

Ummm.  So what do I feed her?  “Grains, Breads, and lots of clear liquids.”

Liquid yogurt becomes our best friend when rotavirus strikes. Look for a liquid yogurt that has an active bacteria culture.  Yo Baby brand worked good for us.

By 3 years old most children have built up an immunity to rotavirus, but even adults can get it.  Just ask my husband.  He was miserable for about 4 days and lost 10 pounds in 2 days.

Adults can use an over the counter medicine like Immodium for some comfort, but there isn’t anything for children.

In 2005 my doctor’s office got the vaccine Rotateq.  Unfortunately my first daughter was too old, but my second daughter got half of the vaccine.

Why half?  It’s administered in several doses and I didn’t realize that I didn’t get her in soon enough for the last dose.

I believe that the Rotateq helped my second daughter anyways.  Both girls have got the virus at the same time and my younger daughter only gets it half as bad.

This virus can live on hard surfaces for days so be extremely vigilant when changing diapers and giving baths.  We always wash the sick one last and rinse the tub and toys well when she is done.

If you or yours have ever had it I extend my heartfelt sympathies to you.

Here’s some other sites with info.

Rotavirusinfo.com, Kids Health, Wikipedia

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