quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Rotavirus

What You Should Know

By Julia Rosien

A rotavirus vaccine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 1998, is believed to have caused 23 cases of intussusception (a type of bowel obstruction in which part of the bowel folds in on itself). The vaccine was recalled by July 1999, leaving parents wondering how to protect their children from rotavirus.

"Available data suggests that the risk of intussusception increased during a period of two to three weeks following vaccination," says Dr. Fay. Children immunized before the recall don't seem to be in any danger of intussusception. "However, if any young child develops bloody stools, black stools, abdominal dissention or severe colic pain, parents should contact their doctor regardless of vaccination status."

When Milling's son, Ben, contracted the illness, his daycare separated him from other children. "I took a printout on rotavirus from the Internet to the daycare staff, and they kept him away from other children while he recovered," she says.

The CDC recommends common sense when it comes to hand washing. Parents should wash their hands after using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet, diapering a child and before preparing, serving or eating food. Children should wash their hands after using the toilet, after having their diapers changed and before eating snacks and meals.

"Han washing reduces the viral load (the number of living organisms), thus reducing the risk of infection," says Dr. Fay. The virus won't be easily passed with constant hand washing and anti-bacterial soap. Smith's pediatrician told her it's the one thing that can help stop the spread of viruses.

Want to see more?

• Tell us at the Play Date Issues Discussion Board.
• What foods can cause a child to be constipated?
• When a child has diarrhea, are there any foods you should not give them?
• Foodborne Illness: What You Should Know

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.