Rotavirus – Symptoms, causes, and preventive options
Causes & Risk Factors

Rotavirus – Symptoms, causes, and preventive options

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately.  In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.
Factors contributing to drug-induced hepatitis
Causes & Risk Factors

Factors contributing to drug-induced hepatitis

Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver. Similarly, consuming certain medications in large doses can damage an otherwise healthy liver. Medications contributing to the development of drug-induced hepatitis There is a long list of medications that can lead to hepatitis. Painkillers and fever reducers containing acetaminophen commonly lead to drug-induced hepatitis and other types of liver injury. This is especially likely when these medicines are purchased without a prescription and consumed in higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally, people who consume alcohol have a higher chance of developing the illness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen can also lead to drug-induced hepatitis.