Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVomiting in COVID: Symptoms to Know AboutDuration of COVID Vomiting SymptomsTreatment to Manage Vomiting With COVIDWhy Does COVID Cause Vomiting?When to Get COVID TestedSymptoms That Warrant a Provider Visit
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vomiting in COVID: Symptoms to Know About
Duration of COVID Vomiting Symptoms
Treatment to Manage Vomiting With COVID
Why Does COVID Cause Vomiting?
When to Get COVID Tested
Symptoms That Warrant a Provider Visit
Although people generally associateCOVID-19with respiratory symptoms,vomitingis increasingly recognized as an early sign of the disease, along with other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such asdiarrheaandabdominal pain.For some people, nausea and vomiting may be the first signs of infection.
Because people often fail to link COVID with vomiting, the risk of illness and hospitalization is greater because they assume something else—likestomach flu—is involved and don’t seek treatment.Certain treatments for COVID can also cause nausea and vomiting, as can the emotional stress of having (or thinking you have) COVID.
This article describes the GIsymptoms of COVID-19and how the virus causes vomiting in some people. It also explains how to manage vomiting if you have COVID and when to see a healthcare provider.
Obradovic / Getty Images
Studies have shown GI symptoms are more common with COVID-19 than some might think. A large retrospective study conducted at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago reported more than 1 in 5 people with COVID-19 (22.4%) had a GI symptom as the first sign of infection.
Moreover, 1 in 3 had more than one of these symptoms, and 1 out of 10 had all three symptoms.
In around 3% of cases, a person with COVID may experience GI symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and aloss of appetiteand have no respiratory symptoms whatsoever.
The early occurrence of GI symptoms can worsen outcomes in people with COVID-19, including an increased risk of hospitalization,intensive care unit (ICU)admissions, andintubation(insertion of a breathing tube).Those with GI symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, also tend to have longer hospital stays.
Less common GI symptoms of COVID include:
COVID-19 or Stomach Flu?GI symptoms of COVID are easily mistaken for conditions likegastroenteritis(stomach flu) andfood poisoning.The key difference is that people with COVID tend to also have “classic” symptoms of infection, such as a fever, chills,nonproductive (dry) cough,sore throat,myalgia(muscle pain),ageusia(a loss of taste),anosmia(a loss of smell), anddyspnea(shortness of breath).
COVID-19 or Stomach Flu?
GI symptoms of COVID are easily mistaken for conditions likegastroenteritis(stomach flu) andfood poisoning.The key difference is that people with COVID tend to also have “classic” symptoms of infection, such as a fever, chills,nonproductive (dry) cough,sore throat,myalgia(muscle pain),ageusia(a loss of taste),anosmia(a loss of smell), anddyspnea(shortness of breath).
GI symptoms of COVID are easily mistaken for conditions likegastroenteritis(stomach flu) andfood poisoning.
The key difference is that people with COVID tend to also have “classic” symptoms of infection, such as a fever, chills,nonproductive (dry) cough,sore throat,myalgia(muscle pain),ageusia(a loss of taste),anosmia(a loss of smell), anddyspnea(shortness of breath).
Is It COVID-19 or the Flu?
In fact, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the United States was in a person who experienced two days of vomiting before the infection was officially diagnosed.
However, the GI symptoms of COVID-19 are not always short-lived. People withlong COVID—broadly defined as COVID symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after the infection has cleared—will often experience ongoing diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and other symptoms.
A 2021 study inLancet Gastroenterology and Hepatologyreported that no less than 45% of people hospitalized for COVID had one or more GI symptoms 12 weeks after their discharge, including:
While there is no way to tell how long a long-COVID event might last, a 2021 study from Egypt suggested that the average duration is 175 days.
There is no specific guideline for treating GI symptoms of COVID-19.For mild COVID-19 infections, the treatment focuses on managing symptoms at home.
For nausea and vomiting, you may be advised to:
In severe cases of vomiting,intravenous (IV) fluidsmay need to be administered in a hospital to replace lost fluids andelectrolytes.
How to Manage a Mild Case of COVID-19 at Home
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a strain ofcoronavirusthat causes COVID-19,
Though there is a high concentration of ACE2 in the lining of therespiratory tract, there is also ACE2 throughout thedigestive tractthat SARS-CoV-2 can attach to.When these cells are affected, the loss of gastrointestinal function and rapid onset ofinflammationcan lead to nausea and vomiting that’s sometimes severe.
Respiratory symptoms tend to be more predominant with COVID simply because there is more ACE2 in the lungs than in the stomach or intestine.Even so, an infection in the GI tract can often trigger symptoms earlier than an infection in the lungs and airways.
Other Causes
With that said, the newer drugs used to treat COVID have a lower risk of vomiting compared to some of the earlier treatments, such as Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) and lopinavir/ritonavir (the latter of which caused vomiting in 1 of every 15 people).
Another independent cause of vomiting in people with COVID-19 is anxiety and stress. During the height of the pandemic, studies suggest nearly 1 of 5 people (19.24%) who testednegativefor COVID-19 experienced nausea and vomiting due to COVID-related stress.
While it can reasonably be assumed that public fears have decreased since that time, a 2021 study from the Columbia University Medical Center suggests that psychological distress can significantly aggravate GI symptoms in people with long-term COVID-19.
How COVID-19 Is Treated
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and away from others until their symptoms improve.
These include symptoms like:
If you do not have symptoms but think that you’ve been exposed, wait at least a full five days before taking a test. Testing any earlier may result in afalse negativeresult (meaning that you have the virus even if the test says that you don’t).
How Long Are You Contagious With COVID?You are most infectious in the first five days after COVID symptoms start. If you have any symptoms, you should isolate until you’ve been fever-free and your symptoms improve for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. You should then take precautions, likewearing a face mask, for five more days.
How Long Are You Contagious With COVID?
You are most infectious in the first five days after COVID symptoms start. If you have any symptoms, you should isolate until you’ve been fever-free and your symptoms improve for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. You should then take precautions, likewearing a face mask, for five more days.
How COVID-19 Is Diagnosed
Whatever the cause, vomiting can turn serious if left untreated, leading to severe dehydration and complications such asseizures,kidney failure, andshock.
In light of these concerns, see your healthcare provider immediately if you or your child:
When to Call 911See immediate emergency care if you and someone you know develop the following signs and symptoms of severe COVID:Shortness of breath or difficulty breathingPersistent chest pain or pressureSudden confusion or disorientationInability to awaken or stay awakeBlue-colored skin, lips, or nailsdue to the lack of oxygen
When to Call 911
See immediate emergency care if you and someone you know develop the following signs and symptoms of severe COVID:Shortness of breath or difficulty breathingPersistent chest pain or pressureSudden confusion or disorientationInability to awaken or stay awakeBlue-colored skin, lips, or nailsdue to the lack of oxygen
See immediate emergency care if you and someone you know develop the following signs and symptoms of severe COVID:
Who Is at Highest Risk of Severe COVID?
Summary
What Scientists Know About the COVID-19 Virus
25 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bisherhsari F, Adnan D, Deshmukh A, et al.Gastrointestinal symptoms predict the outcomes from COVID-19 infection.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022;56(2):e145–e148. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001513Zhang T, Liu D, Tian D, Xia L.The roles of nausea and vomiting in COVID-19: did we miss something?J Microbiol Immunol Infect.2021;54(4):541–546. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2020.10.005Ong J, Dan YY, Low JG.The atypical presentation of COVID-19 as gastrointestinal disease: key points for primary care.Br J Gen Pract.2020;70(696):360–361. doi:10.3399/bjgp20X710705Schmulson M, Davalos MF, Berumen J.Beware: gastrointestinal symptoms can be a manifestation of COVID-19.Revista de Gastroenterología de México(English Edition). 2020;85(3):282–287. doi:10.1016/j.rgmxen.2020.04.001Pan L, Mu M, Yang P, et al.Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms in Hubei, China: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study.Am J Gastroenterol.2020;115(5):766-773. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000620Fu B, Qian K, Fu X.SARS-CoV-2-induced vomiting as onset symptom in a patient with COVID-19.Dig Dis Sci.2020;65(6):1568–1570. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06285-4Holshue ML, DeBolt C, Lindquist S, Lofy KH, Wiesman, Bruce H.First case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.N Engl J Med.2020;382(10):929–936. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001191Bogariu Am, Dumitrascu.Digestive involvement in the long-COVID syndrome.Med Pharm Rep.2022;95(1):5–10. doi:10.15386/mpr-2340Weng G, Li Y, Li J, et al.Gastrointestinal sequelae 90 days after discharge for COVID-19.Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.2021;6(5):344-346. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00076-5Galal I, Hussein AARM, Amin MT, et al.Determinants of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms: value of a novel COVID-19 symptom score.Egypt J Bronchol.2021;15:10. doi:10.1186/s43168-020-00049-4Vespa E, Pugliese N, Colapietro F, Aghemo A.Stay (GI) healthy: COVID-19 and gastrointestinal manifestations.Tech Innov Gastrointest Endosc.2021;23(2):179–189. doi:10.1016/j.tige.2021.01.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.MedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.Xu J, Chu M, Zhong F, et al.Digestive symptoms of COVID-19 and expression of ACE2 in digestive tract organs.Cell Death Discov.2020;6:76. doi:10.1038/s41420-020-00307-wEli Lilly and Company.Olumiant - baricitinib tablet, film coated.Food and Drug Administration.Fact sheet for patients, parents, and caregivers.Chen A, Agarwal A, Ravindran N, To C, Zhang T, Thuluvath PJ.Are gastrointestinal symptoms specific for COVID-19 infection? A prospective case-control study from the United States.Gastroenterology.2020;159(3):1161–1163.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.036Blackett JW, Wainberg M, Elkind MSV, Freedberg DE.Potential long coronavirus disease 2019 gastrointestinal symptoms 6 months after coronavirus infection are associated with mental health symptoms.Gastroenterology.2022;162(2):648–650.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.040Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ending isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19: interim guidance.Miller HJ.Dehydration in the older adult.J Gerontol Nurs. 2015;41(9):8-13. doi:10.3928/00989134-20150814-02MedlinePlus.When you have nausea and vomiting.
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bisherhsari F, Adnan D, Deshmukh A, et al.Gastrointestinal symptoms predict the outcomes from COVID-19 infection.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022;56(2):e145–e148. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001513Zhang T, Liu D, Tian D, Xia L.The roles of nausea and vomiting in COVID-19: did we miss something?J Microbiol Immunol Infect.2021;54(4):541–546. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2020.10.005Ong J, Dan YY, Low JG.The atypical presentation of COVID-19 as gastrointestinal disease: key points for primary care.Br J Gen Pract.2020;70(696):360–361. doi:10.3399/bjgp20X710705Schmulson M, Davalos MF, Berumen J.Beware: gastrointestinal symptoms can be a manifestation of COVID-19.Revista de Gastroenterología de México(English Edition). 2020;85(3):282–287. doi:10.1016/j.rgmxen.2020.04.001Pan L, Mu M, Yang P, et al.Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms in Hubei, China: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study.Am J Gastroenterol.2020;115(5):766-773. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000620Fu B, Qian K, Fu X.SARS-CoV-2-induced vomiting as onset symptom in a patient with COVID-19.Dig Dis Sci.2020;65(6):1568–1570. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06285-4Holshue ML, DeBolt C, Lindquist S, Lofy KH, Wiesman, Bruce H.First case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.N Engl J Med.2020;382(10):929–936. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001191Bogariu Am, Dumitrascu.Digestive involvement in the long-COVID syndrome.Med Pharm Rep.2022;95(1):5–10. doi:10.15386/mpr-2340Weng G, Li Y, Li J, et al.Gastrointestinal sequelae 90 days after discharge for COVID-19.Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.2021;6(5):344-346. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00076-5Galal I, Hussein AARM, Amin MT, et al.Determinants of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms: value of a novel COVID-19 symptom score.Egypt J Bronchol.2021;15:10. doi:10.1186/s43168-020-00049-4Vespa E, Pugliese N, Colapietro F, Aghemo A.Stay (GI) healthy: COVID-19 and gastrointestinal manifestations.Tech Innov Gastrointest Endosc.2021;23(2):179–189. doi:10.1016/j.tige.2021.01.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.MedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.Xu J, Chu M, Zhong F, et al.Digestive symptoms of COVID-19 and expression of ACE2 in digestive tract organs.Cell Death Discov.2020;6:76. doi:10.1038/s41420-020-00307-wEli Lilly and Company.Olumiant - baricitinib tablet, film coated.Food and Drug Administration.Fact sheet for patients, parents, and caregivers.Chen A, Agarwal A, Ravindran N, To C, Zhang T, Thuluvath PJ.Are gastrointestinal symptoms specific for COVID-19 infection? A prospective case-control study from the United States.Gastroenterology.2020;159(3):1161–1163.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.036Blackett JW, Wainberg M, Elkind MSV, Freedberg DE.Potential long coronavirus disease 2019 gastrointestinal symptoms 6 months after coronavirus infection are associated with mental health symptoms.Gastroenterology.2022;162(2):648–650.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.040Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ending isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19: interim guidance.Miller HJ.Dehydration in the older adult.J Gerontol Nurs. 2015;41(9):8-13. doi:10.3928/00989134-20150814-02MedlinePlus.When you have nausea and vomiting.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bisherhsari F, Adnan D, Deshmukh A, et al.Gastrointestinal symptoms predict the outcomes from COVID-19 infection.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022;56(2):e145–e148. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001513Zhang T, Liu D, Tian D, Xia L.The roles of nausea and vomiting in COVID-19: did we miss something?J Microbiol Immunol Infect.2021;54(4):541–546. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2020.10.005Ong J, Dan YY, Low JG.The atypical presentation of COVID-19 as gastrointestinal disease: key points for primary care.Br J Gen Pract.2020;70(696):360–361. doi:10.3399/bjgp20X710705Schmulson M, Davalos MF, Berumen J.Beware: gastrointestinal symptoms can be a manifestation of COVID-19.Revista de Gastroenterología de México(English Edition). 2020;85(3):282–287. doi:10.1016/j.rgmxen.2020.04.001Pan L, Mu M, Yang P, et al.Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms in Hubei, China: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study.Am J Gastroenterol.2020;115(5):766-773. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000620Fu B, Qian K, Fu X.SARS-CoV-2-induced vomiting as onset symptom in a patient with COVID-19.Dig Dis Sci.2020;65(6):1568–1570. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06285-4Holshue ML, DeBolt C, Lindquist S, Lofy KH, Wiesman, Bruce H.First case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.N Engl J Med.2020;382(10):929–936. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001191Bogariu Am, Dumitrascu.Digestive involvement in the long-COVID syndrome.Med Pharm Rep.2022;95(1):5–10. doi:10.15386/mpr-2340Weng G, Li Y, Li J, et al.Gastrointestinal sequelae 90 days after discharge for COVID-19.Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.2021;6(5):344-346. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00076-5Galal I, Hussein AARM, Amin MT, et al.Determinants of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms: value of a novel COVID-19 symptom score.Egypt J Bronchol.2021;15:10. doi:10.1186/s43168-020-00049-4Vespa E, Pugliese N, Colapietro F, Aghemo A.Stay (GI) healthy: COVID-19 and gastrointestinal manifestations.Tech Innov Gastrointest Endosc.2021;23(2):179–189. doi:10.1016/j.tige.2021.01.006Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.MedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.Xu J, Chu M, Zhong F, et al.Digestive symptoms of COVID-19 and expression of ACE2 in digestive tract organs.Cell Death Discov.2020;6:76. doi:10.1038/s41420-020-00307-wEli Lilly and Company.Olumiant - baricitinib tablet, film coated.Food and Drug Administration.Fact sheet for patients, parents, and caregivers.Chen A, Agarwal A, Ravindran N, To C, Zhang T, Thuluvath PJ.Are gastrointestinal symptoms specific for COVID-19 infection? A prospective case-control study from the United States.Gastroenterology.2020;159(3):1161–1163.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.036Blackett JW, Wainberg M, Elkind MSV, Freedberg DE.Potential long coronavirus disease 2019 gastrointestinal symptoms 6 months after coronavirus infection are associated with mental health symptoms.Gastroenterology.2022;162(2):648–650.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.040Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for COVID-19.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ending isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19: interim guidance.Miller HJ.Dehydration in the older adult.J Gerontol Nurs. 2015;41(9):8-13. doi:10.3928/00989134-20150814-02MedlinePlus.When you have nausea and vomiting.
Bisherhsari F, Adnan D, Deshmukh A, et al.Gastrointestinal symptoms predict the outcomes from COVID-19 infection.J Clin Gastroenterol. 2022;56(2):e145–e148. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000001513
Zhang T, Liu D, Tian D, Xia L.The roles of nausea and vomiting in COVID-19: did we miss something?J Microbiol Immunol Infect.2021;54(4):541–546. doi:10.1016/j.jmii.2020.10.005
Ong J, Dan YY, Low JG.The atypical presentation of COVID-19 as gastrointestinal disease: key points for primary care.Br J Gen Pract.2020;70(696):360–361. doi:10.3399/bjgp20X710705
Schmulson M, Davalos MF, Berumen J.Beware: gastrointestinal symptoms can be a manifestation of COVID-19.Revista de Gastroenterología de México(English Edition). 2020;85(3):282–287. doi:10.1016/j.rgmxen.2020.04.001
Pan L, Mu M, Yang P, et al.Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms in Hubei, China: a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study.Am J Gastroenterol.2020;115(5):766-773. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000620
Fu B, Qian K, Fu X.SARS-CoV-2-induced vomiting as onset symptom in a patient with COVID-19.Dig Dis Sci.2020;65(6):1568–1570. doi:10.1007/s10620-020-06285-4
Holshue ML, DeBolt C, Lindquist S, Lofy KH, Wiesman, Bruce H.First case of 2019 novel coronavirus in the United States.N Engl J Med.2020;382(10):929–936. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2001191
Bogariu Am, Dumitrascu.Digestive involvement in the long-COVID syndrome.Med Pharm Rep.2022;95(1):5–10. doi:10.15386/mpr-2340
Weng G, Li Y, Li J, et al.Gastrointestinal sequelae 90 days after discharge for COVID-19.Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol.2021;6(5):344-346. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00076-5
Galal I, Hussein AARM, Amin MT, et al.Determinants of persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms: value of a novel COVID-19 symptom score.Egypt J Bronchol.2021;15:10. doi:10.1186/s43168-020-00049-4
Vespa E, Pugliese N, Colapietro F, Aghemo A.Stay (GI) healthy: COVID-19 and gastrointestinal manifestations.Tech Innov Gastrointest Endosc.2021;23(2):179–189. doi:10.1016/j.tige.2021.01.006
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of COVID-19 treatment.
MedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.
Xu J, Chu M, Zhong F, et al.Digestive symptoms of COVID-19 and expression of ACE2 in digestive tract organs.Cell Death Discov.2020;6:76. doi:10.1038/s41420-020-00307-w
Eli Lilly and Company.Olumiant - baricitinib tablet, film coated.
Food and Drug Administration.Fact sheet for patients, parents, and caregivers.
Chen A, Agarwal A, Ravindran N, To C, Zhang T, Thuluvath PJ.Are gastrointestinal symptoms specific for COVID-19 infection? A prospective case-control study from the United States.Gastroenterology.2020;159(3):1161–1163.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.05.036
Blackett JW, Wainberg M, Elkind MSV, Freedberg DE.Potential long coronavirus disease 2019 gastrointestinal symptoms 6 months after coronavirus infection are associated with mental health symptoms.Gastroenterology.2022;162(2):648–650.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.040
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Ending isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19: interim guidance.
Miller HJ.Dehydration in the older adult.J Gerontol Nurs. 2015;41(9):8-13. doi:10.3928/00989134-20150814-02
MedlinePlus.When you have nausea and vomiting.
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