I thought a reason they give them the vaccination before 12 months & not after is because if they get the virus in the first 12 mnths they can get sick but can also die but after that they will get sick but not die from it so there is no 'need' for the vaccination. I am happy to be corrected.
A stool sample is the only way they can accuratley determine whether your child has gastro or rota virus. DD presented to the emergency department being a cat 3 , she was lifeless dropped from 9 kilos to 5 in 2 days and was unresponsive. This was just the vomiting side of rotavirus. DD was unable to re-hydriate so consequently without being NGT'd or IV's she would of been in alot of trouble. Any child that can not tolerate fluids over a period of time is at risk
There are a lot of virus' and bacteria that can cause vomitting and diahorrea and the viruses alter there make up often which is why you can "re-catch it" Rotavirus is a very potent virus that can make young children very ill, more than your average tummy bug.
To prevent getting tummy bugs
1. make sure you are safe from food poisoning - keep cold food cold and hot food hot, be wary of undercooked chicken and eggs (salmonella) and also cream in bakery and deli products as well.
2. good personal hygine after using the toilet
3. make sure you have a good intestinal flora. If you have been on antibiotics, medications or have had a tummy virus try a probiotic to build up the good bacteria which prevents bad bacteria and viruses from being able to get a hold on you.
4. To lessen the severity of tummy bugs. Reintroduce foods slowly starting with very basic foods like clear broth and potatoes.
Also have heard that the more tummy bugs kids get the better they will resist them as adults. I obviously didn't get sick much as a kid as I get every stupid tummy bug that does the rounds. I have been using a probiotic lately and found myself to be much more resistant.
Thanks for all your resposes.
This little guy has had it confirmed in hospital that is was rota virus and according to the hospital kids with peg feeds are more suseptable to catching it if exposed. He has spent 4 1/2 weeks total in hospital on IV gastrolyte for rota and then additional 1-2weeks each time getting sezuires under control once the rota bug was cleared.
Since there is different views/experiences with different doc's I will tell her to talk to his pead about getting the serum or not if they don't think it will work for him.
I'm a bit confused why someone would want a vaccine if they've already had the disease? Would be like having the chickenpox jab after having chickenpox.
Most kids build up an immunity to it by the time they are 3-5 yrs old (based on what his mum was told and information sheet from the doc) younger children can suffer from the bug multiple times until their body build up an immunity to it (which the serum is meant to do). But his body hasn't developed an immunity to it. So far he has had it 3 times this year.
Liz: Peg feeds are when children with special needs or swollowing disorders etc are given liquid meals through a tube in thier stomach.
Mt friend has an appointment with her sons pead to discuss if it will be benificial for him or not.
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