Rotavirus is one type of virus that causes diarrhea, especially in young children. Infection is caused by group A rotaviruses, which are wheel-shaped viruses. . Rotavirus diarrhea usually lasts from 4 to 6 days, but may last longer and cause intermittent diarrhea in children who have compromised immune systems. Rotavirus infection usually occurs during the winter months. Some children have no symptoms of rotavirus infection while others may have severe vomiting , watery diarrhea, and fever.

Viruses such as rotavirus, adenovirus and calicivirus are the main culprits in gastroenteritis. Infection occurs most commonly with the ingestion of fecal contaminated food or water. Since children in areas with poor sanitation around the world are vulnerable to these viruses, it is estimated that several hundred thousand children under five die worldwide due to complications from gastroenteritis.

The classic symptoms of gastroenteritis begin with severe abdomen pain usually. It is not a constant pain but it is more like cramps which come and go frequently in a rhythmic fashion. It may be excessive pain. Nausea and vomiting is another sign as the body stops accepting any more food until the bacteria or virus is cleared out. Headaches are another symptom that is caused due to the dehydrating effect of the disease. Diarrhea is also a primary symptom and due to excessive diarrhea dehydration is also caused.

In the developing world enterotoxigenic, enteropathogenic and enteroinvasive E. coli are essential due to the sheer number of cases, whereas Shigella causes debilitating sickness and has increasing resistance against low-priced and readily available antibiotics. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae is one more important cause of acute diarrhea sickness and following death in the developing world.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include low grade fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea, stomach bloating, abdominal cramps, and headache. If the condition is serious, it may involve blood in the stool or in the vomit. Swelling in the abdomen and high fever can also occur. Diarrhea can also lead to dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Dehydration may have symptoms such as excessive thirst, lack of tears, very dry mouth, and little or no urination.

Gastroenteritis can also be caused by consuming infected food (food poisoning). Vomiting is more prominent than diarrhea in a person who has food poisoning. There are many types of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus and Campylobacter are some of the common ones.Consumption of contaminated water is also a common cause of gastroenteritis, this is especially true in poorer countries, where outbreaks of severe diarrhea occur. E. coli, the bacterium commonly found in contaminated water, is often blamed.

Your child should also be vaccinated with influenza vaccine, Varicella vaccine, and new human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). Influenza vaccine is to avoid seasonal flu viruses from attacking your child. This vaccine often has different content every year. The contents usually depend on the U.S. Public Health Service decision. Influenza vaccine is administered to children ages 6-59 months and it should be administered annually to a child over 59 months. On the other hand, the first dose of Varicella vaccine should be administered to children ages 12-15 months and the second dose is at ages 4-6 years.

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