Gastroenteritis, often caused by rotavirus, is a common health problem, especially in children. Symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting can be very distressing. Fortunately, there is now a vaccine against rotavirus. But why is it necessary, and for whom is it recommended? Let's find out together.
Understanding gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestine, mostly caused by infection. Viruses such as rotavirus, bacteria and parasites are the main culprits. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. It's essential to understand that gastroenteritis is highly contagious. This is why vaccination, particularly against rotavirus, is recommended to limit the spread of this disease.
Gastroenteritis symptoms
Gastroenteritis manifests itself through several symptoms, of which diarrhea and vomiting are the most common. These symptoms may also be accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea and sometimes a low-grade fever. In some cases, headaches or muscle aches may also occur. Symptoms of gastroenteritis can be more severe in infants and young children, and can lead to complications such as dehydration.
So it's important to watch out for these signs, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems.
Duration of gastroenteritis
The duration of gastroenteritis varies according to a number of factors. In general, symptoms last between 24 and 72 hours. However, in some cases, particularly when the illness is contracted while traveling, they can last up to 10 days.
Rotavirus gastroenteritis, in particular, can last longer. The clinical course of this form of the disease usually lasts from 3 to 7 days.
The duration of illness can also be affected by the individual's vaccination status. Rotavirus vaccines offer significant protection against gastroenteritis caused by this pathogen, which can shorten the duration of illness and reduce the intensity and risk of complications.
Gastroenteritis contagion
Gastroenteritis is spread rapidly and easily, particularly in environments where people are in close contact, such as day-care centers, schools and nursing homes. The virus can spread through direct contact with an infected person, or indirectly via contaminated objects.
Transmission is mainly fecal-oral, meaning that the virus is excreted in the stools of the infected person and can be ingested by another person, usually by touching an object contaminated by the infected person and then bringing their hands to their mouth.
● Contagiousness begins even before symptoms appear, and lasts for several days after they disappear.
● Transmission can also occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Vaccination can help reduce the spread of the virus, in addition to personal hygiene and effective cleaning practices.
Rotavirus, the main culprit
Description of rotavirus
Rotavirus is a pathogen that can cause gastroenteritis, particularly in children under 5. It belongs to the reovirus family and is known to cause diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration.
Rotaviruses lack an envelope, making them highly resistant in the environment. They are classified into several strains, some of which are commonly used in the manufacture of vaccines.
Due to its highly contagious nature, rotavirus is often responsible for epidemics, particularly during colder seasons. This is why vaccination is considered an effective way of preventing rotavirus infections.
Transmission and symptoms of rotavirus
Rotavirus is transmitted mainly through direct or indirect contact with infected feces. The virus can survive on contaminated surfaces and objects, facilitating its spread, particularly in environments such as daycare centers and schools.
Symptoms of rotavirus infection are usually severe and include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Symptoms generally appear between 1 and 3 days after exposure to the virus, and can last up to 7 days on average.
In case of dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting, other signs may appear such as :
● Dry throat and mouth,
● Unusual sleepiness or passivity,
● Absence or near-absence of urine,
● Crying without tears.
The importance of vaccination
Why vaccinate against rotavirus?
Rotavirus vaccination plays an essential role in preventing gastroenteritis, particularly in children. This virus is the main cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, which can lead to serious complications such as dehydration. A child infected with rotavirus is also at risk of transmitting the virus to others, helping to spread the infection.
● Vaccination offers effective protection against rotavirus infections, significantly reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from this disease.
● Vaccination contributes to herd immunity, limiting virus circulation in the population and indirectly protecting unvaccinated individuals.
● The vaccine helps reduce the number of visits to the doctor and emergency room admissions due to dehydration caused by rotavirus symptoms.
These vaccines are generally well tolerated, and side effects are rare. They are a valuable tool in the fight against rotavirus gastroenteritis, particularly in countries where this disease is a major cause of infant mortality.
Vaccination in Canada: an update on practices
In Canada, vaccination against rotavirus is strongly recommended for infants. For optimum efficacy, vaccination should begin at an early age. Depending on the vaccine used, two to three doses are required for optimal coverage. Rotavirus vaccination is given orally.
Even if an infant has already had rotavirus gastroenteritis, vaccination is still recommended, as the infection confers only partial immunity. Infants with mild gastroenteritis can also be vaccinated, although vaccine efficacy may be reduced in these cases.
Treatment and prevention of gastroenteritis
How do you treat gastroenteritis?
When the symptoms of gastroenteritis appear, it's essential to react quickly to avoid complications. Rehydration is the first step towards recovery. Oral rehydration solutions containing salts and sugars can be particularly helpful in compensating for fluid loss caused by diarrhea and vomiting. These solutions are sold in pharmacies, and your pharmacist can help you choose one to suit you or your child's needs.
For more severe cases, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, who can prescribe a suitable treatment. It's also crucial to maintain a balanced diet to help the body fight the infection.
In the case of rotavirus gastroenteritis, vaccination can help prevent severe forms of the disease.
In Canada, vaccination against rotavirus is strongly recommended for infants. For optimum efficacy, vaccination should begin at an early age. Depending on the vaccine used, two to three doses are required for optimal coverage. Rotavirus vaccination is given orally.
Even if an infant has already had rotavirus gastroenteritis, vaccination is still recommended, as the infection confers only partial immunity. Infants with mild gastroenteritis can also be vaccinated, although vaccine efficacy may be reduced in these cases.Preventing contagion and the onset of symptoms
Preventing contagion and the symptoms of gastroenteritis requires a number of measures. First and foremost, rigorous application of hygiene rules plays a crucial role. This includes frequent hand washing with warm, soapy water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
In addition, vaccination against rotavirus is highly recommended, especially for infants. It's the most effective way to prevent gastroenteritis caused by this virus.
Finally, it's essential to respect the transmission period of the virus, which can last up to several days after the onset of symptoms. During this period, the virus is still excreted in the stools and can therefore be transmitted to other people. It's important to stay out of the way during infection, and to observe strict hygiene rules.
Frequently asked questions about gastroenteritis and vaccines
How effective are rotavirus vaccines?
Rotavirus vaccines have demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing severe gastroenteritis caused by this virus. According to several studies, the efficacy of vaccines against all types of diarrhea in developed countries is between 74 and 87% (Rotavirus Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide, Government of Canada, April 2016). This efficacy climbs to between 85 and 98% in cases of severe diarrhea. It should be noted that efficacy may vary slightly from year to year.
● Rotavirus vaccines prevent the vast majority of episodes of rotavirus diarrhea during a child's first year of life, when diarrhea can be a serious hazard.
● They significantly reduce hospitalizations due to rotavirus infections.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that, despite their notable efficacy, these vaccines do not completely eliminate the risk of rotavirus gastroenteritis.
How are vaccines administered?
Rotavirus vaccines are generally administered orally in drop form, in two or three doses, depending on the vaccine used.
Each dose must be administered by the route recommended by the manufacturer to guarantee its efficacy. Your pharmacist can explain the ideal vaccination schedule for your child.
What are the possible side effects of vaccines?
Possible side effects of gastroenteritis vaccines vary and are generally rare and mild in nature. They may include:
● Gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea and vomiting.
● General symptoms such as irritability or low-grade fever.
It should be noted that the majority of vaccinated people do not experience these side effects. If they do appear, they generally disappear on their own within a few days.
Conclusions and outlook
The future of gastroenteritis vaccination
The future of gastroenteritis vaccination looks bright. With research underway to improve the efficacy of existing vaccines and develop new ones, the fight against this disease could be strengthened.
There are also plans to target more strains of rotavirus, given that certain strains are more prevalent in certain countries or regions. Adapting vaccines to geographical variations in rotavirus could therefore improve their efficacy.
Other advances could include improved vaccine distribution, particularly in developing countries, where the disease is particularly widespread and mortality rates are higher.
Further resources to find out more
For more information on gastroenteritis vaccines, consult the following resources:
- Your pharmacist: for information on the rotavirus vaccine.
- Government of Quebec: provides a detailed description of gastroenteritis symptoms, rotavirus vaccination and its benefits.
- Rotavirus vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide: provides information on rotavirus vaccines, their side effects and tolerability.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for any specific questions regarding gastroenteritis vaccination.
