Can COVID affect your stomach? Yes, it can! That’s the short answer. Now, if you want to find important details, continue reading!
COVID-19, the disease produced by the novel coronavirus (better be called Wuhan Virus), is marked by a fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. However, early research reveals that another frequent symptom may be overlooked: gastrointestinal distress.
One in five patients who tested positive for COVID-19 suffered gastrointestinal symptoms such diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort, according to new research. 53 percent of patients admitted to the hospital have digestive problems.
Gastrointestinal Correlation
Once a virus has entered your body, it can damage healthy cells and replicate itself indefinitely. Respiratory cells are primarily targeted by COVID-19. As a result, breathing becomes difficult, which increases your risk of developing pneumonia. Researchers, on the other hand, believe that the disease might impair your digestive and liver systems as well.
After a loss of taste and smell, hunger is the most typical sign of corona. Diarrhea affects 13% of people and lasts for an average of five days.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in the feces of those who had digestive issues, indicating that they had the virus. The virus remained in their systems longer in these individuals than in those who did not have gastrointestinal symptoms.
What You Need to Do
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are not always signs of COVID-19 infection. Even if you don’t have a predisposing medical condition or reside in an area where the new coronavirus is prevalent, it’s prudent to pay close attention to your symptoms during this pandemic.
Stay in your house. Only a small percentage of patients who are positive for the coronavirus need medical attention. Avoid leaving the house unless necessary, such as a trip to the doctor’s office.
Ensure that you have a “sick” bedroom and bathroom. If possible, use a separate restroom for yourself if you live with others to avoid transmitting disease through your feces.
Hands should be washed often. At least 20 seconds of soap and water is the best way to clean your hands, particularly after you use the restroom or sneeze. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are the next best thing.
Disinfect and clean surfaces on a regular basis. Toilet seats and flush handles are among the items that should be disinfected on a regular basis.
Drink plenty of water. If you’re experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, it’s critical to rehydrate yourself. An over-the-counter oral rehydration solution contains salt and sugar, which your body loses during diarrhea. Fruit juices and soft drinks may also be diluted and served with salty crackers and broths.
Consume bland foods. Toast, bananas, applesauce, white rice, etc. are all good options for refueling your body with carbs and reducing your desire to go potty. Try oats, boiled or baked potatoes, and skinless chicken breasts.
When to Call the Doctor
A stomach illness or food poisoning should have you feeling better in 48 hours or less. If you don’t, you should make an appointment with your physician.
This might be an indication of a more severe bacterial illness or a precursor to COVID-19. If you have any of the following issues, call the doctor:
- Possibly dehydrated. Dizziness, intense fatigue, and a dry mouth are all symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Have red or black diarrhea, or significant abdominal discomfort.
- Have a fever, are coughing, or are experiencing shortness of breath.
Okay now that you know the answer to the question ‘can COVID affect your stomach,’ and you know what to do, make sure that you are not taking things light. It can be life-threatening! Act wisely.