Gastroenteritis in children is a common and contagious disorder primarily affecting their digestive system, especially during winter.Dr Manal Nasr, family physician at Al-Waab Health Centre under the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), explains that gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system that results in vomiting, diarrhoea, or both. The cause may be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus are among the most common culprits.The disease is usually transmitted through contaminated food or drink or direct contact with an infected person. Since the viruses causing this illness are highly contagious, they spread rapidly among children in group settings such as schools and nurseries.Dr Nasr points out that viral gastroenteritis becomes more prevalent during this season due to several environmental and behavioural factors. These include gatherings in closed spaces during colder weather, where children spend most of their time indoors in schools, creating an ideal environment for the spread of infection.Additionally, the weakened immune system during winter plays a significant role, as children’s immune defences are affected by the cold and environmental conditions, making them more susceptible to viral infections. Children suffering from gastroenteritis experience diarrhoea, a primary symptom of the illness. Fever is another common symptom, with children experiencing mild to high fever, sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain.Children can contract gastroenteritis due to viral infections though bacterial or parasitic infections are also possible. The infection may spread through contact with infected children or their toys, poor hand hygiene, untrimmed nails, or consuming unwashed fruits and vegetables and improperly cooked food. Consuming food or drinks contaminated with bacteria or unpasteurised dairy products can also lead to infection.One of the most serious complications of gastroenteritis is dehydration, characterised by low fluid levels in the body, which can lead to an imbalance of minerals and blood acidity. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry mouth, crying without tears, lethargy, and reduced urination.Dr Manal Nasr states that one of the best treatments for gastroenteritis is to continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, along with oral rehydration solution in small sips every 10 to 15 minutes. A normal diet can also be resumed, but with reduced intake of dairy products and fatty foods.To prevent gastroenteritis, Dr Nasr emphasises the importance of ensuring that children receive the rotavirus vaccine, encouraging regular handwashing with soap and water, proper storage of food, promoting breastfeeding, and avoiding unpasteurised dairy products.