Parents are often confused when a child seems to come down with the flu, after having received their flu shot for the season.  It is actually far more likely that the child is infected with the rotavirus, a common flu-like virus for which there is no vaccine.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that causes symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache and a dry cough.  Children must take in a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration when they are sick with the flu.

 The symptoms of a rotavirus infection are slightly different and include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever.  This type of infection is more common in six month to five year olds than the flu.

Although influenza and rotavirus are different types of infection, prevention and treatment is much the same.  Frequent hand washing, covering your nose when you cough or sneeze and avoiding people who are ill are all ways of preventing the spread of influenza or rotavirus. 

When treating your child’s flu or rotavirus illness, it is important to provide them with plenty of clear fluids.  Pop and other sweetened beverages can actually work against you; their high sugar content actually draws water into the intestines and away from the rest of the body.  Clear unsweetened juice, warm broth, water and electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte should be given every hour to prevent dehydration. 

Every with hand washing and disinfecting, it is impossible to keep your child completely germ free, especially if they go to daycare.  Before flu season hits, stock your medicine cabinet with Pedialyte, Children’s Tylenol, a thermometer and Gravol.  If your child does become ill and has a temperature of 105 or above, call your Doctor immediately.  Otherwise, give them lots of hugs and fluids and hopefully it won’t last long!