Rotavirus

Jolie, BSN · Mar 20, 2006

Yep, viruses don't know kids from adults, and are more than happy to infect either.

Hopw you feel better soon!

Jess RN · Mar 20, 2006

Rotavirus is the worst! My whole family (me, hubby, and our two little ones) had it last spring. Ugh. Hope you are feeling better soon!

-Jess

student4ever · Mar 20, 2006

ewww... okay, well know I know yet another test to ask my doc for. I want a flu and mono test because I have no energy, and now I gotta have them test my poopy for rotavirus. Yuck. Thanks for your advice folks!

OC_An Khe · Mar 20, 2006

Student4ever,

The only stupid question there is is the one you didn't ask. If you don't ask someone who does.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Mar 20, 2006

kids are the ones who are most likely to become very sick and dehydrated from rotavirus... however, adults can get it also, but I have never heard of one being extremely ill from it.

thanks

purplemania, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2006

yes you can get it, but it generally subsides in a few days. If not, you should see MD (or if dehydrated or other symptoms of course).

luvmy2angels · Mar 20, 2006

Yes, adults can get rotavirus. Our Md said that most adults have already been exposed to the virus so if we do get sick we won't be as sick as the children. Children, on the other hand (especially those under 5) can become EXTREMELY ill especially if this is thier first exposure to the virus as their body hasn't built up immunity to it as we adults have. There are about 20-30 deaths in the USA annually form Rotavirus for children under 5. My son was hospitalized with it last year and it is an aweful virus. He got it again this year but we were able to keep him hydrated well and it lasted for a shorter period of time.

Hope you feel better soon!!

prinsessa · Mar 20, 2006

Like everyone else said, adults can get it, but it usually isn't as bad for them as it is for children. I'm not a nurse yet, but I know a lot about it because my son had it last year (when he was about 18 months) and he was so sick that he had to be hospitalized. From what I heard, it is one of the number 1 reasons kids are hospitalized. My nurse told me that kids in other countries die from it all the time, but luckily in our country kids are usually ok. Just remember to wash your hands extra good when dealing with children (or adults) with rotavirus. My MIL caught it from my son and she was really sick for a couple of days. I hope you are feeling better soon.

PedsER-RN, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2006

just a quick question - as i am only a nursing student, this may be a stupid question, but can adults get rotavirus? we have had a lot of kids w/ rotavirus lately in the er where i am a tech, and lately i have had a nasty case of horrible diarrhea that smells and looks like what is coming out of these kids with rotavirus. just wondered if that is a possibility that i might have it. i know, i know, i should call my doctor, and i plan to, but just thought i'd get some input first as to whether it can be for adults too or just kids... don't want to sound like nursing school isn't doing me any good when i talk to my md!! thanks guys!

yes, adults can get roto. after seeing your dr. and talking with him/her, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and do really good handwashing!!!

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 20, 2006

Yep adults get it...but kids seem to suffer so much more. My son had it at 7 mo age. It was a NIGHTmare for all of us. Fending off dehydration is the biggest challenge w/this one.