Introduction
The Norovirus is a virus that is spread worldwide and causes gastro-intestinal inflammation in babies and small children. In children under five years of age, it is the second most common cause of acute gastrointestinal inflammation after rotavirus. Due to its high infectiousness, just a few virus particles are enough to trigger an infection.
The norovirus represents an acute danger for babies. Through vomiting and diarrhoea, fluid can be lost quickly, which can put babies in an acute and also life-threatening situation. Up to now there is no effective vaccination against the Norovirus, so that in case of illness in the personal environment, extensive hygiene measures are essential to protect against the virus.
These are the symptoms of a Norovirus infection in a baby
In the case of a norovirus infection in babies, as in adults, severe diarrhea and frequent vomiting occur. Typical here is the sudden appearance of the symptoms. In addition, the infection is often associated with fever in babies.
The diarrhea can have a mushy or slimy appearance and can be variably colored. A bad smell is also typical for the Norovirus. Due to the increased diarrhoea, babies can quickly develop sore spots in the area of the anus.
These should be avoided by changing the diaper frequently and adequate skin care. If blood is added to the stool, it must be differentiated whether this is due to a skin injury or whether the blood is added to the stool. Blood in the stool indicates an injury to the intestinal mucosa and further treatment should be supervised by a physician.
The greatest danger for the baby is the potentially rapid loss of fluid. This can be manifested by chapped lips or a pale appearance. It is therefore essential to ensure that the baby receives sufficient water and electrolytes, otherwise this condition can quickly become life-threatening.
The gastrointestinal symptoms can also cause stomach cramps in the baby. This can be seen by bending the child and pulling the legs against the body. and vomiting in the babyThe infection with the Norovirus must be reported to the public health department, so it is necessary to visit the pediatrician at least once to have the stool examined and the correct diagnosis made.
It is therefore advisable to visit the doctor as soon as a Norovirus infection is suspected. This is especially true if there is a risk of fluid loss and if the baby is younger than one year of age. It is very important to call the pediatrician in advance so that a separate entrance can be used.
If the sick baby were to be taken into the waiting room, there would be a danger that other children and their accompanying persons could also be infected. With older children or milder courses of Norovirus infection, fluid replacement can also be carried out at home. However, one should then pay attention to certain warning symptoms for which one should consult a doctor immediately. On the one hand, these are signs of dehydration, such as chapped lips, dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes and abdominal skin, as well as a beginning listlessness of the child. Furthermore, the addition of blood in the stool is a warning symptom for an injury of the intestine and should also be presented to the doctor.
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