Rotavirus

The Disease:

Rotavirus (a.k.a the stomach flu) is the most common virus in the U.S. Its symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and low-grade fever. This unpleasant and highly contagious disease spreads rapidly through homes and daycare centers and carries a risk of dehydration.

The Vaccine:

Rotavirus vaccine is a live viral immunization given by mouth at ages 2, 4 and 6 months. Side effects are minimal, but rarely include blockage of the intestine by enlarged lymph nodes that cause the bowel to fold upon itself ("intussusception").