COVID-19 and Your Gut Health

COVID-19 has taken a drastic toll on millions of individuals and families worldwide. New developments are coming out every day.

You would think that ...

• COVID is just an advanced form of the flu...

• COVID only impacts the respiratory system...

• Only immunocompromised, older, and younger people can be affected...

However, these are all wrong.

COVID-19 is an inflammatory disease that can affect the immune system and spread to all different parts of your body. Read on to learn more about common GI symptoms that COVID may trigger, and ways to stay healthy during these uncertain times.

What are the gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID?

Studies have found that some COVID-19 patients suffered from GI symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, along with respiratory symptoms.

Some studies have shown that ONLY GI symptoms were present in patients who tested positive for COVID-19. There have even been times that COVID-19 was present in the stool but absent in the respiratory tract.

In this video, Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Sahil Khanna answers some questions about gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms related to COVID-19.

What does this mean for me?

First off, there is no need to panic.

If you have gastrointestinal symptoms that are persisting or worsening, do not hesitate to contact your health care provider.

As far as testing, it is crucial to discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing both respiratory and GI symptoms, your doctor will likely suggest taking a COVID test.

Otherwise, hand-washing, maintaining strict hygiene, social distancing, and wearing a mask when you go out are the cornerstone elements of preventing the spread of COVID.

Stay safe, stay smart, and follow public health protocols

Here are some takeaways on this from a public health point of view.

While you're socially distancing and staying safe, be sure to stay healthy at home by eating a healthy and balanced diet.

Stay safe, stay smart, and follow public health protocols.