Probably everyone heard about intestinal flu. In terms of distribution, it is hardly inferior to the usual ARVI. Only we do not always realize what kind of "little frustration" it is.
We are accustomed to believing that we live in a practically safe world: most of the contagious diseases are defeated, terrible epidemics are left in the distant past, and the only danger is flu. Perhaps that is why the mysterious until recently, but very common infection was also called flu, only intestinal. This is actually insidious rotavirus, meeting with which few manage to avoid. Unlike the flu, it feels great all year round and is especially dangerous for young children.
He is known for a long time, since 1973, but even doctors for some reason mention it extremely rarely. But its spread actually has the character of an epidemic. Half of the cases of diarrhea in children are caused precisely by rotavirus. He is very contagious. The transmission of the virus can occur through food, water, objects, hands, and, it is believed, even by airborne droplets. Moreover, it is incredibly tenacious and equally distributed in all countries of the world, regardless of their level of development. It would seem, well, intestinal flu, what is especially terrible in it?
Rotavirus is especially dangerous for babies up to a year in which dehydration occurs very quickly, and its consequences are critical. In the smallest, even minor by adult standards problems can take a very serious turn.For example, a commonplace episode of such intestinal flu can trigger an allergy, even trigger a neurosis. Incredibly, studies have shown: one episode of diarrhea in children under one year of age “takes away” 3 cm of their growth!
Unfortunately, rotavirus drugs have not yet been invented. And indeed, against viruses today we are not as strong as we would like. They are perfectly adapted to the achievements of civilization and remain almost elusive. But already managed to create a vaccine, and in some countries, this vaccine has even become mandatory. Statistics showed: where mandatory vaccination against rotavirus is introduced, the number of hospitalizations with acute intestinal infections (and this is generally one of the main reasons for children's hospitalization) is halved. In our country, it is also planned to vaccinate against rotavirus in the national calendar. In the meantime, after consulting with a pediatrician, you can do it on your own initiative in a public or private clinic.
Ambulance
■ If you start vomiting and acute diarrhea without mucus and blood, take your time with antibiotics, even if your doctor recommends them! In the case of a viral infection, antibiotics are not only useless (they are powerless against viruses), but they are also harmful, since they upset the microflora balance even more. To get started, test for rotavirus, these tests are sold in most pharmacies. Diagnostics will only take a few minutes.
■ In the case of any intestinal disorders, the most important thing is to prevent dehydration, literally a teaspoon, you need to drink special rehydration solutions to restore the water-salt balance, or, in extreme cases, ordinary water.
■ If the child is less than two years old, a rotavirus vaccine can protect him from a severe form of the disease.Moreover, it is optimal to do it already in a month and a half. It is at this age that babies are most at risk and endure it hardest. Although it is justified for older children, and even for adults - the virus has a “local flavor”: if a person has been ill with serotypes characteristic of his native locality, in other areas and countries he may become infected with other strains.
The article was published on the materials of the magazine "Good advice" 10/2013
Text: Irina Kuminova. Photo: PR
Material prepared by Julia Dekanova
