COVID-19: Nausea and Vomiting

• Nausea and vomiting are possible symptoms of COVID-19
• Vomiting with COVID-19 usually ends within a day.
• Nausea can linger on after COVID-19 in some cases.

As it’s essential to recognize the possible symptoms of an infection with the coronavirus early on, this article will elaborate on 2 symptoms that often occur at the beginning of COVID-19: nausea and vomiting. 

Nausea and vomiting can be signs of COVID-19. The coronavirus can cause a significant number of symptoms, which may be different from case to case. Although respiratory symptoms are most common with this condition, several people experience stomach and intestinal complaints. This can mainly be explained due to the fact that the coronavirus can easily bind to ACE2 receptors. These receptors can be found in various tissues throughout the body, including the digestive tract. After the virus has bound to the ACE2 receptors, it can enter the cells in the digestive tract and cause an inflammatory response. This causes you to experience symptoms such as:1

• Nausea, which is an unwell feeling, as if you’re about to vomit.
• Vomiting
• Stomach ache 
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite: You may have less desire to eat, as COVID-19 can infect your digestive tract. The stress you’re experiencing from being sick can also cause a loss of appetite. This symptom is also common for those who experience a loss of taste or smell, as this can cause food to be less appealing or make it taste unpleasant. 

You can experience any of these digestive symptoms of COVID-19 alone or in combination with other symptoms of the infection. 

In children, the signs of COVID-19 are usually less apparent than in adults. As this can make it more challenging to realize that your child has been infected with the coronavirus, it’s important to consider nausea and vomiting as take nausea and vomiting as possible first signs of a COVID-19 infection.1

Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 concerning stomach and intestinal complaints. Some studies also suggest that these symptoms may be related to a higher possibility of complications due to the condition. However, evidence for this isn’t strong enough yet. 1

Vomiting due to COVID-19 usually stops in 12 to 24 hours. The nauseous feeling may last longer and go away after a few days in most cases. For some people, digestive symptoms such as a nauseous feeling may linger on for weeks to months, which may be an indication that you have long COVID. 2 3 4

The treatment of COVID-19 depends on whether or not you are at risk of severe illness due to the condition. Most people only experience mild to moderate symptoms and can rely on home remedies for COVID-19. These home remedies can help alleviate your symptoms while your immune system is fighting off the infection. 

If you’re experiencing vomiting or a fever, then you lose a lot of fluid. It’s crucial to:5 6

• Rest as much as possible. 
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid skipping meals; an empty stomach can make you feel even more nauseous. It’s best to eat small amounts of food more often and avoid fatty, spicy, or very sweet foods, as these can worsen the nausea. 
• If the smell of food makes you more nauseous, you can try to eat cold or room-temperature foods. Warm foods tend to have a stronger smell. 

You can treat your COVID-19 symptoms with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as:7

• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

If your COVID-19 infection is accompanied by a cough, then you can try:

• Sitting upright instead of lying on your back
• Contacting your healthcare provider about possible cough medication or treatment

If you’re treating your COVID-19 infection with home remedies, then it’s important to monitor your symptoms and to stay vigilant of your situation. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if:5

• You’re vomiting several times a day
• You're vomiting especially forcefully or painfully
• Your vomit appears bloody
• You’re gradually feeling worse
• You have difficulty breathing when standing upright
• You feel very weak, and basic tasks feel too difficult
• You’re shaking or shivering
• You still feel unwell after a month 

If you are at risk for severe symptoms due to the infection, then it’s important to contact your physician as soon as possible to determine whether you’re eligible for treatment. You should get treatment as quickly as possible for it to work.5

Nausea and vomiting should be considered as possible signs of a COVID-19 infection. Recognizing these symptoms can lead to early detection, which can help lower the spread of the virus and result in better outcomes for those at risk of severe complications due to the illness.

Q: Is vomiting a symptom of COVID-19? 
A: Some people experience digestive symptoms due to an infection with the coronavirus. Some digestive symptoms you may experience include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a loss of appetite. 

Q: How long does vomiting last with COVID-19? 
A: Vomiting due to COVID-19 usually lasts for 12 to 24 hours. You can still be nauseous for a few more days afterward. 

Q: Can you have nausea after COVID-19?
A: It’s possible to continue experiencing nausea after your infection with the coronavirus. This feeling can linger on for weeks to months and should be checked by your healthcare provider, as it may be a sign of long COVID. 

Q: Can COVID-19 cause vomiting in children? 
A: Children usually tend to have milder symptoms of COVID-19, which may make it difficult to recognize the signs of an infection. It’s essential to think of COVID-19, amongst other conditions, if your child is vomiting, as it may be one of the early signs of a COVID-19 infection.