Rotavirus is a very common viral disease that often affects young children and infants, but which may also affect adults. Rotavirus is responsible for more than 400,000 visits to the doctor among children under five years of age, according to figures from the CDC. 

Symptoms of rotavirus include watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and dehydration, which may cause a decrease in urination, dry mouth, dry throat, and dizziness. Symptoms typically last for around two days but may last for a week or longer.

Steps to help prevent infection with rotavirus include maintaining good hygiene practices and overall cleanliness, and immunization. Two rotavirus vaccines are available to protect children against the condition, Rotarix and RotaTeq, both of which are administered orally. Millions of children in the United States have been immunized against rotavirus since the vaccination was introduced in 2006. 

If contracted, there is no specific medication to treat rotavirus, but medicines are available to alleviate the symptoms, such as oral rehydration solutions.