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Viral gastroenteritis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Rotavirus infection; Norwalk virus; Gastroenteritis - viral; Stomach flu 

Prevention:

Most infectious organisms are transmitted by unwashed hands. The best way to prevent viral gastroenteritis is to handle food properly and wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

RotaTeq is a vaccine used to prevent rotavirus-related gastroenteritis in infants. However, a serious intestinal problem called intussusception has been reported in a small number of infants who received this vaccine. Immediately call your doctor if your child received this vaccine and has stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, or a change in bowel movements.

References:

US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Approves New Vaccine to Prevent Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in Infants , Rockville, MD: National Press Office; February 3, 2006. Press Release P06-16.

Dennehy PH. Acute diarrheal disease in children: epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Infect Dis Clin North Am . 2005; 19(3): 585-602.

Jabbar A. Gastroenteritis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Prim Care . 2003; 30(1): 63-80, vi.

• Review Date: 2/14/2007
• Reviewed By: Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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