In early 2020, the first documented Covid-19 patient in the U.S. visited an urgent care clinic with symptoms like cough and fever, which later became known as common signs of the virus. However, he also experienced nausea and vomiting for two days, symptoms that are often overlooked when it comes to Covid diagnosis.
Many people tend to associate Covid with respiratory issues, such as coughing and sore throat. But according to Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, some individuals infected with the virus may not experience these typical symptoms. Instead, they might feel more like they have food poisoning due to the impact of the virus on various organs in the body.
Dr. Ken Cadwell, a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who studies how Covid affects the gut, describes the virus as a bomb in the body that affects multiple organs, not just the lungs. As Covid cases continue to rise and new variants emerge, it’s crucial to recognize and address the less-known gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the virus.
While some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms early on in the infection before developing other common signs like fever and cough, others may only display stomach-related issues. Dr. Chin-Hong emphasizes that many individuals with only stomach symptoms may not immediately link it to Covid, highlighting the importance of being aware of these less common signs.
As we navigate through this ongoing pandemic, it’s essential to pay attention to all possible symptoms of Covid, including gastrointestinal issues. By understanding and recognizing these lesser-known signs, individuals can seek timely medical attention and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus.
In addition to the well-known respiratory symptoms of Covid, such as cough and fever, being aware of gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and stomach problems can help in early detection and management of the virus. Remember, Covid can manifest in various ways, and staying informed about all possible symptoms is key to combating the spread of the virus effectively.
