Yes, vomiting and diarrhea can be symptoms of COVID-19, though they show up less often than respiratory symptoms like cough or fever.
Can diarrhea be an initial symptom of COVID-19?
Yes, diarrhea can be an initial symptom of COVID-19, sometimes showing up before fever or respiratory issues.
According to the CDC, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting may appear early in infection. A study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found about 10% of COVID-19 patients had diarrhea as their first symptom. If you get persistent diarrhea—especially with other signs—keep an eye on things and check in with a healthcare provider.
What are some symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and loss of taste or smell, among others.
The CDC lists these as common symptoms, which usually show up 2–14 days after exposure. You might also experience sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Severity ranges from mild to severe. If any of these hit—especially with fever or trouble breathing—reach out to a doctor and think about testing.
What are some uncommon symptoms of COVID-19?
Uncommon symptoms of COVID-19 include skin rashes, "COVID toes," and neurological issues like brain fog or numbness in some patients.
The WHO points out that dermatologic and neurological symptoms are less common but do happen. COVID toes—red or purple discoloration and swelling—can pop up in younger, less severely ill people. If you notice strange skin changes or ongoing neurological issues, bring it up with your doctor.
Could nausea and vomiting be symptoms of COVID-19?
Yes, nausea and vomiting are recognized symptoms of COVID-19, though they’re less common than respiratory symptoms.
A New England Journal of Medicine review found gastrointestinal symptoms—including nausea and vomiting—in about 5–10% of COVID-19 cases. These can appear at any point during infection. If nausea or vomiting sticks around, especially with other symptoms, keep tabs on your condition and talk to a healthcare professional.
What gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been seen in patients diagnosed with COVID-19?
Common GI symptoms in COVID-19 include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in about 20% of patients.
A meta-analysis in Gastroenterology showed loss of appetite was the most common GI symptom, followed by diarrhea and nausea. Some people only get GI symptoms without any respiratory issues. If new or persistent GI symptoms appear—especially when COVID’s spreading widely—bring it up with your doctor and consider testing.
Does COVID-19 upset your stomach?
Yes, COVID-19 can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort in a significant number of patients.
The Mayo Clinic says stomach issues may be an early or even isolated symptom of COVID-19. These symptoms likely stem from the virus affecting cells in your digestive tract. Keep an eye on things, and if stomach upset lingers or gets worse, get medical advice.
Should I get tested for COVID-19 if I have diarrhea?
Consider testing if diarrhea comes with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
The CDC suggests testing if you have symptoms that could be COVID-19, even if your main issue is GI-related. Diarrhea alone isn’t very specific, but if it shows up with other symptoms or risk factors, testing might be a good idea. Talk to your healthcare provider to figure out if testing makes sense for you.
When do COVID-19 symptoms start appearing?
COVID-19 symptoms typically start within 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, with a median onset of 5–6 days.
According to the CDC, that’s the usual incubation period. Symptoms might creep in slowly or hit you all at once. If you think you’ve been exposed, watch for symptoms during this window and take steps to avoid spreading illness if they appear.
How long does it take for symptoms of the coronavirus disease to appear?
Symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear within 5–6 days after infection, but can take up to 14 days to develop.
The WHO reports the incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days, with most cases showing symptoms within a week. That variability means self-monitoring and quarantining after possible exposure are key. If symptoms do show up, follow local guidelines for testing and isolation.
Can I have COVID-19 if I have fever?
Yes, fever is a common and significant symptom of COVID-19, but it can also happen with many other illnesses.
The CDC lists fever as one of COVID-19’s primary symptoms. Still, fever alone doesn’t mean you’ve got COVID—flu, colds, or other infections can cause it too. If you run a fever, especially with cough or trouble breathing, check in with a healthcare provider and think about testing.
Can COVID-19 symptoms come and go?
Yes, COVID-19 symptoms can come and go during recovery, with periods of improvement followed by relapses.
Harvard Health notes some patients deal with up-and-down symptoms like fever, fatigue, or breathing trouble for days or weeks. It’s sometimes called “roller-coaster” symptomology. If symptoms bounce back or get worse, get medical guidance.
What are some possible symptoms of long-COVID?
Long-COVID symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, loss of smell or taste, shortness of breath, and numbness that persist for weeks or months after infection.
The CDC says these symptoms can really disrupt daily life. Some people also report heart palpitations, joint pain, or mood changes. If you’re still dealing with symptoms weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection, talk to your doctor about next steps and how to manage them.
