Bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause a variety of diseases, infecting different organs in the human body. Viruses are known to cause problems such as common cold (an infection of the respiratory tract) or diarrhea (a digestive tract infection). Bacteria can also cause different problems. Bacterial invasion of the digestive tract can also result in diarrhea, as well as some infections with parasites. Bacteria and parasites usually respond to (at least) some antibiotics, while the same medications do not work against viruses. Viral infections are, therefore, not treated with antibiotic drugs but with a range of products designed to ease the symptoms and discomfort.
Children diarrhea may be caused by any of these microorganisms, but it can also be provoked by some food allergies or certain medications. Kids may also experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, fever or stomach aches associated with diarrhea. In most cases, children get infected by an agent provoking diarrhea by touching contaminated objects or diapers of another child. Another way of transmission is ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Both children and adults may experience diarrhea and some other symptoms of viral infection of the digestive tract. However, this problem is much more severe in kids, since they tend to dehydrate much faster than adults and this may lead to serious consequences and problems. Weakened immune system is also a risk factor for development of various infections, including viral infections. This refers to patients treated for cancer, HIV/AIDS but also transplant patients and people suffering from immune system disorders.
Rotavirus - Infection of Digestive Tract
Rotavirus is one of common causes of severe diarrhea among children. Every year, more than 50.000 kids die because of Rotavirus infection only in the United States. This disease usually appears during winter and spring months, among children younger than 2 years of age. Rotavirus infection of adult people is not a reason for concern, since it usually has mild symptoms.
Children infected with Rotavirus may experience serious vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms may also be accompanied by fever and abdominal pain and they usually last for several days (3 to 8 days). The biggest problem is initial infection with this virus and it is usually the hardest and most serious for the child, while repeated infections are usually not so severe.
Kids may get infected by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, especially in public swimming pools, but also by picking up the virus from contaminated objects or surfaces.
Preventing Rotavirus Infection
Rotavirus vaccine, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been on the market from 2006 and it carries no risk of intussusception as earlier vaccines.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends helping the children to use toilet and washing their hands before dealing with food in any way. CDC advises regular disinfection of bathrooms, toys and surfaces in the kitchen.
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