How common is diarrhea with COVID?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 23, 2026
Are diarrhea and nausea symptoms of COVID-19?
If you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, it doesn't mean that you have COVID-19. But it's wise to pay extra attention to your symptoms during this pandemic, especially if you have a health condition that raises your chances for an infection or if you live in an area where the new coronavirus is widespread.Are stomach problems a symptom of COVID-19?
If you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, it doesn’t mean that you have COVID-19. But it’s wise to pay extra attention to your symptoms during this pandemic, especially if you have a health condition that raises your chances for an infection or if you live in an area where the new coronavirus is widespread.What are some of the most common presenting symptoms of COVID-19?
Initial presentation — Among patients with symptomatic COVID-19, cough, myalgias, and headache are the most commonly reported symptoms. Other features, including diarrhea, sore throat, and smell or taste abnormalities, are also well described (table 3).
When do symptoms of the coronavirus disease typically start?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?
- The incubation period for COVID-19. Given that the incubation period can be up to 14 days, CDC recommends conducting screening testing at least weekly.When should you take a COVID-19 test after exposure?
YES: Get tested at least 5 days after exposure. Follow quarantine guidance while waiting to test.
Can the Omicron variant cause long term COVID-19 symptoms?
The possibility of long COVID. While omicron may cause less severe symptoms, this may not mean a decreased risk of long-term sickness.
What are COVID-19 toes?
Erythema pernio, known as chilblains, have been frequently reported in younger individuals with mild COVID-19 to the extent that they have earned the moniker “COVID toes.” However, the reason behind their development is not yet apparent.What do I do if I have mild symptoms of COVID-19?
If you have milder symptoms like a fever, shortness of breath, or coughing: Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance. Tell your doctor about your illness.What gastrointestinal tract (GI) symptoms can COVID-19 patients experience?
The most prevalent symptom is the loss of appetite or anorexia. The second most common is upper-abdominal or epigastric (the area right below your ribs) pain or diarrhea, and that has happened with about 20 percent of patients with COVID-19.How to help stomach issues with COVID-19?
Drink lots of fluids. If you have diarrhea or are vomiting, it's important to replace the lost fluids. An oral rehydration solution from the drugstore is best because it has salt and sugar that your body loses in diarrhea.
What should I do if I have gastrointestinal problems with COVID-19?
If your stomach troubles are due to a GI bug or food poisoning, you usually should feel better within 48 hours. If you don't, call your doctor. It could be a more serious bacterial infection or an early sign of COVID-19.Can COVID-19 cause diarrhea?
COVID-19 mainly attacks the cells lining your airways. This makes it hard for you to breathe and can lead to pneumonia. But researchers think the illness also may harm your digestive tract and liver tissue.What is a pre-symptomatic case of COVID-19?
A pre-symptomatic case of COVID-19 is an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 who has not exhibited symptoms at the time of testing, but who later exhibits symptoms during the course of the infection.Can COVID-19 toes be painful?
But along with swollen, discolored skin, it's also possible to have: Blisters. Itching. Pain.
Raised, painful bumps Areas of rough skin Some people also notice a bit of pus under their skin.
Who is more likely to have "COVID-19 toes"?
The condition can show up at any age, but you may be more likely to get it if you're a child, teen, or a young adult. The American Academy of Dermatology says that young patients with COVID toes seem healthy, and many of them don't get more common symptoms of the virus.
Can COVID-19 cause swollen and discolored toes?
Some medical groups and researchers say it can, and the condition has been dubbed “COVID toes.”
What are some of the symptoms of the COVID-19 Omicron strain?
Both coronavirus variants had common symptoms such as runny nose, headache and sneezing, but debilitating symptoms such as brain fog, dizziness and fever were less prevalent in Omicron cases.
How long do lingering symptoms last after COVID-19?
Symptoms. People with post-COVID conditions (or long COVID) may experience many symptoms. People with post-COVID conditions can have a wide range of symptoms that can last more than four weeks or even months after infection. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away or come back again.
Should I be worried about getting the COVID-19 Omicron variant?
While some have suggested that most people will eventually get the coronavirus, you should do your best to avoid infection with Omicron—there is no justification for deliberately getting infected so you have what you think will be a mild illness that will provide you with more immunity going forward, the doctors say.
Who is considered a close contact to someone with COVID-19?
For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was less than 6 feet away from you for a combined total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. An infected person can transmit SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, starting 48 hours (2 days) before they have symptoms or before they were tested.
How long can someone test positive on a COVID-19 rapid antigen test?
Two-plus years into the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists still arent sure how long people who catch coronavirus remain infectious, The Wall Street Journal reports. Some people keep testing positive with rapid tests beyond five days, and some even test positive after 10 days, the newspaper reported.Do I have to quarantine if I have been exposed to COVID-19?
If you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should quarantine if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. This includes people who are not vaccinated.