Certain viruses make their dreaded appearances more frequently during the winter months. With these infections come uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms. Among these viruses are rotavirus and influenza virus.
Both of these illnesses are viral infections that can spread quickly and easily from person to person. For some, symptoms may be mild; for others, they can be deadly. Though they may present with some similarities, their differences stem from the different body systems they initially target.
What Is Rotavirus?
Rotavirus is a viral infection that affects the gastrointestinal system, specifically the lining of the intestines. Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in the world, and the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children under the age of 5. It is found in stool and spreads through the fecal-oral route. If someone who is infected with the virus has fecal matter on their hands (which usually occurs unknowingly, so always wash hands after using the restroom), and touches a surface, that virus can then spread to others.
Similar to influenza, rotavirus is most likely to spread during a particular time of the year. Its spread dramatically increases during the winter and spring seasons, specifically January through June. Rotavirus is a viral infection, meaning that antibiotics will not treat it. The treatment for this illness includes symptom management and potentially fluid replacement.
Rotavirus infection typically affects those under age 5. Interestingly, those under 3 months of age do not usually contract the infection, but the most serious symptoms do occur in those under the age of 3.
What about rotavirus and adults? Adults may experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, it can affect those who have weakened immune systems more severely. The virus and its severe symptoms primarily target young children.
What Are the Rotavirus Symptoms?
The symptoms of a rotavirus infection can be similar to those of other gastrointestinal illnesses, but can be more severe, with an increased risk of dehydration. The virus has an incubation period of 1-3 days before symptom onset, with symptoms typically lasting for 5-7 days. Individuals usually present with vomiting first, followed by watery diarrhea. The contagious period can span from two days before symptom onset to 3 days after recovery.
Rotavirus symptoms include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Malaise
- Poor appetite
- Intussusception (rare)
The most concerning rotavirus symptom and associated complication is severe dehydration. With the loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration can quickly occur and lead to serious complications. Nurses, patients, and parents must be educated as to the signs of dehydration and recognize when medical attention should be sought.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth and other mucous membranes
- Poor skin turgor
- Decreased capillary refill
- Decreased urine output
- The absence of tears when crying
- Sunken soft spot in the skull (infants)
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Excessive sleepiness
Patients and parents should be encouraged to seek medical attention if they notice signs of dehydration. Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include diarrhea for more than 24 hours, fever of 102 degrees F or higher (100.4 or higher in those under 3 months of age), blood or pus in the stool (which may appear black or tarry), and intense stomach pain.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory virus that infects 20-40 million people in the U.S. every flu season. It is most common during the winter months, with its greatest prevalence between October and May, and peaking between December and February. Influenza is spread through infected droplets and touching contaminated surfaces. Droplets are spread when an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or talks, and those droplets are transmitted into the air and onto surfaces such as doorknobs, utensils, handrails, phones, and other high-touch surfaces. Inadequate hand hygiene can also lead to contamination of high-touch surfaces and the transmission of infection. For every infected person, the virus is likely to spread to one or two others.
There are different types and strains of influenza, and these strains can vary from one flu season to another. It can infect those of every age, but can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, or those with a weakened immune system. Individuals are at high risk for more severe disease if they have an underlying respiratory condition such as asthma or COPD, a weakened immune system, obesity, are under 5 years of age or over 65 years old, pregnant, have diabetes, cardiac or vascular disease, neurologic conditions, or preexisting kidney and liver conditions.
Like the rotavirus infection, influenza is a viral infection, meaning antibiotics will not treat it. There are antiviral medications that can be effective, but typically must be started within the first 2 days of the illness. Treatment of influenza focuses on symptom management, including medications for fever, congestion, or muscle aches, rest, and encouragement of fluid intake and hydration.
What Are the Symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza symptoms typically begin 1-4 days after exposure and can last a few days to a couple of weeks. An individual can be contagious a day before symptom onset to up to a week after, with the most highly contagious time period being 3-4 days after symptom onset.
Influenza symptoms include:
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)
How Do You Prevent Rotavirus and Influenza Infections?
Vaccination and sanitary measures are key prevention strategies to halt the spread of both rotavirus and influenza. Frequent and thorough handwashing and sanitizing high-touch surfaces are very beneficial. Because rotavirus is spread through the fecal-oral route, it is especially important to wash hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, and before eating. Influenza is spread through droplets and contact with infected surfaces, so covering ones mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a mask when appropriate, and avoiding contact with infected individuals can help prevent its spread.
Vaccines are designed to prevent the spread of an infection and decrease the severity of an illness. There are currently two vaccines available in the U.S. for Rotavirus: RotaTeq and Rotarix. Both of these vaccines are live, weakened vaccines taken orally rather than intramuscularly. These vaccines typically last approximately 2-3 years and are at least 74% effective at preventing infection and 96% effective at preventing serious illness. The Rotarix vaccine is administered in two doses, with one at 2 months and the second at 4 months of age. The RotaTeq vaccine is given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months old.
Due to the nature of the virus, the rotavirus infection and the rotavirus vaccine have both been associated with rare intestinal blockages called intussusception. This occurs when the intestine folds in on itself, causing a blockage in the intestine. It is extremely rare, with 1 case per 100,000 infections or vaccinations. Intussusception requires immediate medical attention, and symptoms can include vomiting, bloody stools, and severe abdominal pain due to the blockage.
Influenza vaccines are unique in that they are updated annually to protect against the strains of influenza expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season. It is recommended that individuals aged 6 months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine. Those under 6 months of age, those with specific conditions that may compromise their immune system, or those who have had a previous vaccine allergy may not be eligible for vaccination and should always discuss it with their healthcare provider. Research has shown that the best time to receive an influenza vaccine is in September or October, but it is still beneficial to get one even outside of these months. Vaccination may be associated with redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. These symptoms indicate an immune response to the vaccine and that antibodies are forming.
Rotavirus and Influenza Overview
Rotavirus and influenza are both viral infections that can have severe symptoms for some patients and may even result in hospitalization or patient mortality. Nurses should place great importance on educating patients, parents, and families on the nature of these viral illnesses, the symptoms to be aware of, how they are treated, and how to prevent them. Always consult with a healthcare provider with any concerns or questions regarding vaccination, rotavirus, or influenza. During the winter months, when rotavirus and influenza are prevalent, it is important to practice infection prevention strategies. Proper infection prevention and control, including hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and rotavirus and influenza vaccinations, can help reduce the spread of these illnesses.
About the Author:
Rachel Pugmire is a registered nurse and freelance writer. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018, with a minor in gerontology. Her areas of expertise include emergency medicine, pediatrics, and pharmaceutical clinical trials. Medical writing has given her a platform to do what she is passionate about, which is educating patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Rachel is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
