Question
My son started experiencing vomiting symptoms a week ago, followed by diarrhea. He has been unable to keep anything down, even undigested milk when he drinks. What could be the cause? I have taken him to a nearby clinic, and the doctor said it might be seasonal vomiting. How should it be treated? I am worried about his ability to endure it.
Answer
Based on your description, your child may have been infected with rotavirus, a common enteric gastroenteritis virus that primarily affects children aged 6 to 24 months. This disease is usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route, possibly due to improper cleaning of bottles or poor hygiene habits in the child. Rotavirus-induced diarrhea is self-limiting and typically lasts for 3 to 8 days. Since rotavirus infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics are generally not needed for treatment. It is recommended to pay attention to your child’s hydration and electrolyte balance, provide oral rehydration solutions, and maintain good hygiene practices to prevent transmission. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.