Tell me about Rotavirus...

stephogirl

I'm starting to suspect that's what DS has (he's 3 1/2).

 He's had diarrhea since Saturday with an achy tummy and an occasional headache. The smell is awful!!! Top temp was 99.7, so that's not a real concern. He seems to be staying reasonably hydrated, so I'm not really stressing about getting him into the doctor because I'm pretty confident it's a virus. He's in a reasonably good mood.

Does that sound like Rotavirus to you? Any thoughts, additions, can't-believe-you-haven't-taken-him-to-the-doctor? ;-) Maybe I should take him in...sigh...I don't know.

kittycarr

Rotavirus is the single worst virus in this entire world.  I had it in February and was in the ER twice for being so dehydrated.  There isn't anything that can be done by taking him to the doctor.  As long as his demeanor is good and he's still drinking, it will just pass.

And yes, it is a smell unlike any other.

goodheartedmommy

When Ethan had it, his poop was a funky color (can't remember now, but it was crazy!) and it smelled like sulfur.

Flem052204

It usually starts with 24 hours of projectile vomiting followed by days and days of the most vile smelling diarrhea you can imagine.  As I recall, when DD's poop started to get solid again, it was a weird ash white color.  Once you smell it, you will instinctively think, "Oh, yeah, that's it, that's what they're talking about!"

JOEBunny

My DD had it at 8 months.  It stank (the poop).  She was sick for 10 days straight and did not eat the whole time (pedialite was all she had), then another 10 days, could eat, but still had diarrhea, then another 10 days to get back her strength.  I refer to that as the lost month.  She was very lethargic and could keep nothing down at all.  It could also be norwalk virus that your son has, which doesn't usually last as long.  I am glad DS has had the vaccine.