Page last updated
08 April 2022
There is no specific medicine for rotavirus infection. However, there are some treatments available to help with the symptoms.
FAQ
How is rotavirus treated?
As diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to fluid loss, treatment consists of lots of liquids to prevent dehydration, for example clear fluids, or rehydration drinks which are available from pharmacy. Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous fluid replacement (via a needle in a vein).
Children may experience symptoms of dehydration. Medical treatment should be sought for children who show loss of appetite, little urination (wee), have a dry mouth and throat, and/or are unusually sleepy or hard to settle.
Seek medical assistance or go to your emergency department if your child refuses to drink or has worrying symptoms, for example, very frequent diarrhoea or vomiting, listlessness or drowsiness.
Children, even those who are vaccinated, can get sick more than once. However, children who are vaccinated are much less likely to get sick and if they do, they will likely experience less severe symptoms than vaccinated children.
Adults normally experience milder symptoms than children.
Sources & Citations
1. Victoria State Government. Better Health Channel. Rotavirus. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/rotavirus?viewAsPdf=true (accessed 15 March 2022).
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotavirus. Symptoms. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/symptoms.html (accessed 15 March 2022).
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rotavirus. Treatment. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/rotavirus/about/treatment.html (accessed 15 March 2022).
MAT-AU-2200806 Date of Preparation March 2022
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