Rotavirus is a highly infectious virus that causes severe diarrhoea in infants and younger children. It leads to thousands of hospitalisations and deaths each year, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.
This article explores the key rotavirus causes and what you need to know to protect against it.
What are rotavirus causes?
Rotavirus spreads through multiple pathways, making it one of the most easily transmitted viruses in children.
Rotavirus spreads through fecal-oral transmission, often due to poor hand hygiene or consuming contaminated food and water. Microscopic stool traces from an infected person can be transferred through unwashed hands, dirty diapers, or unsafe sanitation. Proper hygiene, including handwashing with soap, safe food handling, and clean drinking water, is crucial to preventing its spread.
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Contaminated surfaces and objects
Rotavirus can survive for hours or even days on surfaces like toys, countertops, and doorknobs. The virus is transmitted when children touch these surfaces and then put their hands or objects in their mouths. Disinfecting high-touch areas, encouraging frequent hand-washing, and avoiding shared utensils can significantly lower transmission rates.
Although less common, rotavirus can spread through tiny particles when an infected person vomits, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can contaminate the air or nearby surfaces, leading to infections. While rotavirus primarily spreads through direct contact, this airborne potential underscores the importance of maintaining respiratory hygiene, like covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and ensuring proper ventilation in shared spaces.
Individuals with compromised immunity, such as malnourished children or those undergoing treatments that weaken immunity, are more vulnerable to infection and severe symptoms. Others, like cancer patients and organ transplant recipients, also face a higher risk of complications. For these groups, prevention is especially critical, as their bodies may struggle to fend off the virus. Ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining good hygiene, and prioritising vaccination in immune-compromised individuals can help protect them from severe disease.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of rotavirus ensures the protection of vulnerable populations from severe illness, especially children. You must prioritise vaccination and maintain hygiene practices to prevent rotavirus.
Additionally, access to health insurance is crucial for addressing the health burdens of rotavirus infections. Insurance is a proactive prevention measure that can significantly reduce the impact of rotavirus and other infectious diseases. Appropriate plans safeguard your health by covering the costs of both preventative and emergency care.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.