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Dec 9, 2025
Rotavirus signs and symptoms as highly infectious winter sickness bug spreads
The Bolton News
Well Pharmacy's deputy superintendent George Sandhu is urging Brits to be aware of the viral infection that causes stomach inflammation and can lead to gastroenteritis, known as stomach flu.
But he says parents of young children should pay particular attention to the signs and symptoms of rotavirus as it continues to spread in England.
His warning comes as the latest government data shows the winter sickness bug is 50% higher than the five season average across the nation.
The virus spreads through poor hand hygiene following a trip to the toilet, so it is essential you wash your hands correctly.
If you are changing your baby's nappy or helping a child to use the toilet it is important to wash thoroughly with both soap and warm water afterwards to kill the germs.
Rotavirus spreads through the faecal-oral route and once it is in a household it can be passed very easily from family member to family member.
The symptoms of rotavirus include diarrhoea, which is often watery and vomiting, there can also be a mild fever and pain in the stomach.
The illness lasts between three to nine days, which means that a lot of fluid can be lost - so it is essential for patients to ensure they drink water. Breastmilk is fine for babies.
Parents should ask for an urgent GP appointment if their child continues being sick, has blood in their faeces or has a swollen or painful stomach.
If the child stops feeding or shows signs or dehydration - such as fewer wet nappies - then it is important to consult NHS 111 or speak to your doctor because this could be signs of an infection or a blocked bowel.
The most severe cases will see children and babies end up in hospital where the use of an IV drip may be required to hydrate them.
One of the most effective ways to combat rotavirus is to ensure that your child has been vaccinated against the virus.
The vaccination is usually given to babies between the ages of eight to 12 weeks and is given as an oral vaccine not an injection.
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