I've read that some medical conditions can disqualify you from joining the military. I'm worried because I had rotavirus as a kid. Does having had rotavirus impact my eligibility for enlistment?
The U.S. military indeed has a list of medical conditions that can disqualify someone from enlistment, but the good news is, that having rotavirus in the past should not be a barrier to your enlistment. Rotavirus is a common illness in infancy and early childhood that typically presents with symptoms such as severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. It's usually self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own after a short period.
However, current health status is what the military generally focuses on during medical evaluations. So, as long as you have fully recovered from the rotavirus and it hasn't led to any chronic health issues or ongoing symptoms, it shouldn't affect your eligibility for enlistment.
Nonetheless, it's still important to be upfront and disclose this information during your medical examination to avoid discrepancies later on. Ultimately, a professional at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) will make the final decision on medical qualifications for enlistment.
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