Parents' Stories
15-month-old with rotavirus
Betsy's daughter, Ella, was 15 months old when she was diagnosed with rotavirus. Ella's symptoms began one morning when she woke up and was vomiting all over her crib. Her parents were unsure what caused the vomiting—they had given her eggs for the first time the day before, so they thought it could be an egg allergy. But, later that day her temperature climbed to 103°F and Ella began having severe diarrhea.
Betsy took Ella to the doctor within the first 24 hours of her illness because her fever was still high and she became limp and pale. At that point, Ella had lost so much body fluid that the doctor said that she should take her immediately to the hospital. Ella was given an IV for fluids and Betsy was able to take her home from the hospital that day.
But Ella's severe diarrhea continued for 5 more days, with as many as 6 episodes a day. Her parents were uncertain about whether or not they would have to take her back to the hospital. On the seventh day of Ella's illness the doctor told them to return to the hospital if she had diarrhea more than 4 times that day. Luckily, this was the turning point: Ella's symptoms started to improve and eventually disappeared.
It wasn't until 5 or 6 days into her 10-day illness that one of the doctors diagnosed her as having rotavirus. The doctors and nurses initially told Betsy it was the flu but since symptoms continued and were severe they tested her for rotavirus. "It was a terrible experience for her because she was so scared and I think it was emotionally just so draining and so hard to watch," said Betsy.
A case of rotavirus can vary among infants and children. Many cases are mild, while others are severe. This story may not be representative or characteristic of every child's experience. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about rotavirus.
