How can you differentiate between COVID-19, stomach flu, and food poisoning symptoms. What are the key indicators for each condition. How long do these illnesses typically last. When should you seek medical attention for gastrointestinal issues.

Understanding the Causes of Nausea and Diarrhea

Experiencing sudden nausea and diarrhea can be distressing, and it’s not always easy to determine the root cause. These symptoms can be attributed to various conditions, including COVID-19, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), or food poisoning. Each of these illnesses presents unique characteristics that can help in identification, although early symptoms may overlap.

Common Causes of Gastrointestinal Distress

• COVID-19
• Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
• Food poisoning
• Other viral or bacterial infections
• Dietary issues

Understanding the nuances of each condition can help you make informed decisions about your health and when to seek medical attention.

COVID-19 and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

While respiratory symptoms are more commonly associated with COVID-19, gastrointestinal issues can also be present. These symptoms may be early indicators of the virus, often preceding other more recognizable signs.

Characteristics of COVID-19 Related Diarrhea

• Watery consistency
• Yellow or green coloration
• Often accompanied by cramping and bloating

Can COVID-19 cause nausea and diarrhea as initial symptoms? Yes, these gastrointestinal symptoms can be among the first signs of COVID-19 infection. However, they are typically followed by more characteristic symptoms within a day or two, such as fever, cough, congestion, and loss of taste or smell.

COVID-19 Contagiousness Period

How long does the contagious period last for COVID-19? Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 are usually contagious for up to five days from the onset of symptoms. If symptoms persist beyond this period, it’s advisable to continue isolating until they subside completely.

Decoding Stomach Flu: Symptoms and Causes

The term “stomach flu” is a misnomer, as it’s not actually related to influenza. The correct medical term for this condition is gastroenteritis, which can be caused by various pathogens.

Common Causes of Gastroenteritis

• Viral infections (most common)
• Bacterial infections
• Parasitic infections

What happens in the body during gastroenteritis? The infection causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, impairing the body’s ability to absorb and digest food properly. This results in rapid movement of food through the digestive system, leading to diarrhea as the body’s acids don’t have sufficient time to break down the food.

Duration of Stomach Flu Symptoms

How long do stomach flu symptoms typically last? Despite being often referred to as the “24-hour flu,” most viral gastroenteritis symptoms persist for 24 to 72 hours.

Contagiousness of Gastroenteritis

Is the stomach flu contagious? Yes, gastroenteritis can spread through contact with fecal matter or saliva. To prevent transmission, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene:

• Close the toilet lid before flushing
• Clean the bathroom and toilet frequently
• Wash hands thoroughly and often

Food Poisoning: Symptoms and Identification

Food poisoning occurs when you consume food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It’s often associated with recent dining out experiences or travel.

Timeline of Food Poisoning Symptoms

When do food poisoning symptoms typically appear? Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 36 hours after consuming contaminated food and can persist for up to 72 hours.

Distinctive Signs of Food Poisoning

What’s a key indicator that you might have food poisoning? The presence of blood in the stool is a significant sign that you may be experiencing food poisoning caused by bacteria. This symptom warrants urgent medical evaluation.

Contagiousness of Food Poisoning

Can food poisoning spread to others? Individuals with food poisoning can be contagious through fecal matter or saliva for up to 48 hours. To prevent transmission, follow the same hygiene practices as with gastroenteritis.

Home Remedies for Gastrointestinal Distress

Regardless of the cause – whether it’s COVID-19, gastroenteritis, or food poisoning – there are several steps you can take at home to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Anti-diarrheal medications to slow down GI tract motility
• Medications to reduce gas and bloating

Dietary Adjustments

What should you eat when experiencing gastrointestinal issues? Consider switching to:

• Clear liquid diet (juice, broth, popsicles)
• Bland diet (bread, rice, applesauce)

Choose options based on what your stomach can tolerate.

Importance of Hydration

Why is staying hydrated crucial during gastrointestinal illnesses? Diarrhea can lead to significant loss of water and electrolytes, potentially resulting in dehydration. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential for recovery and preventing complications.

Special Considerations for Pregnant and Nursing Individuals

Gastrointestinal issues can pose additional challenges for those who are pregnant or nursing.

Pregnancy and Gastrointestinal Distress

Why is hydration particularly important during pregnancy? Staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration and nutrient deficiency, both of which can put undue stress on the fetus.

Nursing and Gastrointestinal Issues

How can gastrointestinal problems affect breastfeeding? Dehydration can significantly reduce milk supply in nursing mothers. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential for both maternal health and sustaining milk production.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most gastrointestinal issues resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation.

Red Flags for Medical Consultation

• Extreme dehydration
• Sunken eyes
• High fever
• Blood in stools

Why might you need antibiotics for gastroenteritis or food poisoning? In some cases, these conditions may be caused by pathogens that require antibiotic treatment. A healthcare provider can determine if such intervention is necessary.

Persistent Symptoms

When should you consult a doctor for ongoing gastrointestinal issues? If nausea and diarrhea persist for several days without improvement, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician for further evaluation and treatment.

Understanding the nuances of different gastrointestinal conditions can help you navigate your symptoms more effectively. While many cases resolve with home care, being aware of warning signs and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial for maintaining your health and well-being. Remember, proper hygiene practices are essential in preventing the spread of these conditions to others, regardless of the underlying cause.

Nausea and diarrhea? How to tell if it’s COVID, the stomach flu or food poisoning

You wake up one morning with nausea and diarrhea. It gets worse throughout the day. You think you may have a stomach bug, but it’s hard to know for sure. Maybe it’s COVID-19 or even food poisoning?  

“Nausea and diarrhea are symptoms that can have a number of causes that include COVID-19, the stomach flu or food poisoning,” says Ashley Barajas, FNP, Nebraska Medicine nurse practitioner. “Determining the exact cause early on is not always that cut and dry.”

Barajas helps explain the differences between these three common problems that can cause gastrointestinal problems.

COVID-19-related diarrhea and nausea

“Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are less common symptoms of COVID-19, but when they do occur, they tend to be some of the first symptoms you will experience,” says Barajas. “There is no definite way to tell early on what is causing your symptoms, however, diarrhea caused by COVID-19 tends to be more watery, yellow or green in color and may be accompanied by cramping and bloating. If you have COVID-19, you will likely develop other symptoms within a day or two such as fever, cough, congestion and/or loss of taste and smell.” 

If it’s COVID-19, how long am I contagious?

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you are usually contagious up to five days from the start of symptoms. If you are still having symptoms after five days, stay away from others until your symptoms are gone, says Barajas. 

Stomach flu symptoms

What is often called the stomach flu actually isn’t the flu at all. The real name for the stomach flu is called gastroenteritis. 

Gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, but is commonly caused by the norovirus. These infections cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract which decreases the body’s ability to absorb and digest food, explains Barajas. The food moves so quickly through the GI tract that the acids the body secretes to break down the food, don’t have time to do their job, resulting in diarrhea. While the stomach bug is often called the 24-hour flu, most viral GI symptoms last between 24 to 72 hours, says Barajas.

Is stomach flu contagious?

Gastroenteritis is contagious through fecal matter or saliva. To help reduce infecting others, close the toilet lid before flushing, clean the bathroom and toilet frequently and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, says Barajas.

Food poisoning symptoms

Food poisoning may be suspected if you have eaten out or traveled recently. Food poisoning is caused by eating food that has been contaminated by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 36 hours and can last up to 72 hours. Blood in the stool is also an indication that you may have food poisoning caused by bacteria and should be evaluated urgently. 

Is food poisoning contagious?

Individuals experiencing food poisoning can be contagious through fecal matter or saliva for up to 48 hours. To reduce transmission to others, follow the same suggestions as gastroenteritis: close the toilet lid before flushing, clean the bathroom and toilet frequently and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, says Barajas.  

How to treat an upset stomach at home

To help reduce the severity of symptoms, whether it’s caused by COVID-19, a GI virus or food poisoning, Barajas recommends using over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications that will help slow down the motility of the GI tract. You can also take over-the-counter medications that will help reduce gas and bloating. Barajas also suggests switching to a clear liquid diet such as juice, broth or popsicles; or a bland diet with foods such as bread, rice or applesauce, depending on what your stomach is able to handle. Learn more about what to eat with an upset stomach. 

“It is extremely important that you do the best you can to stay hydrated,” says Barajas. “Diarrhea can cause you to lose a lot of water and electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.”

What if I’m pregnant or nursing?

Staying hydrated is even more important if you are pregnant to avoid dehydration and nutrient deficiency. Both can put undue stress on the fetus. If you are nursing a baby, dehydration will reduce your milk supply, notes Barajas.

When to get help from a doctor

In most cases, you can let GI issues run their course, says Barajas. However, if you become extremely dehydrated, develop sunken eyes, high fever or blood in your stools, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. 

“In the case of gastroenteritis or food poisoning, you may have a pathogen that requires additional antibiotic treatment,” says Barajas.

Got nausea and diarrhea? 
If you have nausea and diarrhea that won’t go away after several days, visit NebraskaMed.com/Care to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors.

Food poisoning Information | Mount Sinai

Signs and Symptoms

The typical signs of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, head or muscle aches, and fever. Specific bacteria may cause these additional signs and symptoms:

• Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum, or botulism). Extreme dry mouth, constipation, retention of urine, weakness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, double vision, paralyzed eye nerves, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually paralysis that spreads downward, respiratory failure, and death.
• Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni). Fever, chills, and bloody diarrhea.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli). Hemorrhagic colitis (diarrhea with very little stool and large amounts of blood), occurring up to 3 days after eating contaminated food.
• Mushroom poisoning. Delirium (confusion), vision difficulties, heart muscle problems, kidney failure, death of liver tissue, and death if left untreated.

Fish poisoning causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and headache. Specific types of fish poisoning can cause other signs and symptoms, such as:

• Ciguatera (caused by ciguatoxins in some coral reef fish, including sea bass, grouper, red snapper, kingfish, and barracuda). Numbness or tingling around the mouth, feeling of loose teeth, impaired touch sensation of hot as cold and cold as hot, itching, muscle and joint pain, slow heart rate, low blood pressure.
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth, trouble coordinating movement, difficulty swallowing, excess saliva, twitching, loss of ability to talk, convulsions, paralysis that spreads upward, respiratory failure, and death (Pufferfish poisoning).
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth or in the arms and legs, trouble swallowing, difficulty speaking (Shellfish poisoning, caused by toxins in algae that are eaten by shellfish).

What Causes It?

Usually bacteria and algae cause food poisoning. However, poisonous plants and animals are other potential causes.

Common bacterial causes include:

• E. coli in undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized apple juice or cider, raw milk, contaminated water (or ice), vegetables fertilized by cow manure, or spread from person to person.
• Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) in cole slaw, dairy products (mostly soft cheeses from outside the United States), and cold, processed meats.
• Salmonella spp. in poultry, beef, eggs, or dairy products.
• Shigella spp. from raw vegetables or cool, moist foods (such as potato and egg salads) that are handled after cooking.
• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in salad dressing, ham, eggs, custard-filled pastries, mayonnaise, and potato salad (usually from the hands of food handlers).
• C. jejuni in raw milk and chicken.
• C. botulinum in improperly home canned foods (in children under 1 year of age, mostly from honey but also from corn syrup).
• Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) in meat and poultry dishes and gravies, mostly foods that were cooked more than 24 hours before eating and were not reheated well.
• Vibrio cholerae in bivalve (two shelled) shellfish (such as mussels, clams, oysters, and scallops), raw shellfish, and crustaceans (such as lobsters, shrimp, and crabs).

Common types of fish poisoning include:

• Scombroid poisoning from bacteria in dark meat fish (tuna, bonito, skipjack, mahi-mahi, mackerel) that are not refrigerated well.
• Ciguatera poisoning in tropical fish (grouper, surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, moray eel, shark) that have eaten toxic plankton.
• Puffer fish poisoning from the organs and flesh of puffer fish (containing tetrodotoxin).
• Poisoning from shellfish that feed on certain algae.

Mushroom poisoning occurs from eating poisonous wild mushrooms, especially Amanita phalloides.

Who’s Most At Risk?

Infants and the elderly are at greater risk for food poisoning. Other risk factors include:

• A weakened immune system, pregnant women, and people over age 65 are most at risk
• A pre-existing medical condition, such as chronic kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes
• Traveling in an area where contamination is more likely

Listeriosis is common in pregnant women and people with immune problems. When a fetus is infected with listeria, it may be born prematurely or die.

What to Expect at Your Provider’s Office

Your health care provider will examine you for signs and symptoms of food poisoning, such as stomach problems, neurologic problems, and dehydration.

Your health care provider may also ask about foods you have eaten recently, where you may have traveled, and if you have had contact with people showing similar symptoms.

Tests of your vomit, blood, and stool can sometimes identify the cause.

In the case of botulism, your health care provider may request serum and stool test (to confirm botulinum neurotoxin) and electromyography (a test to measure electric impulses in the muscles) to confirm the diagnosis.

Although brain imaging and lumbar puncture (spinal tap) results are normal in patients with botulism, they may be done to check for signs and symptoms related to central nervous system disorders.

Treatment Options

Prevention

These steps can help prevent food poisoning:

• Wash your hands and clean any dishes or utensils when you are making or serving food.
• Keep juices from meat, poultry, and seafood away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook foods to proper temperatures.
• Refrigerate any food you will not be eating right away.
• If you take care of young children, wash your hands often and dispose of diapers carefully so that bacteria can’t spread to other surfaces or people.
• If you make canned food at home, make sure to follow proper canning techniques to prevent botulism.
• Do not feed honey to children under 1 year of age.
• Do not eat wild mushrooms.
• When traveling where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Boil water before drinking. Do not eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
• Always refrigerate fish.
• Don’t eat tropical fish caught during blooms of poison plankton.
• Eat pufferfish only in specially licensed restaurants with chefs trained to cook it.
• Don’t eat shellfish exposed to red tides.

If others may have eaten a food that made you sick, let them know. If you think the food was contaminated when you bought it from a store or restaurant, tell the staff and your local health department.

Treatment Plan

Treatment for most cases of food poisoning involve replacing fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride). While experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, the person should avoid solid food but increase clear liquids. In more severe cases, a person may need help either breathing or stopping vomiting. Health care providers usually don’t prescribe antibiotics because they may prolong diarrhea. If you have eaten certain toxins (such as from mushrooms or shellfish), your health care provider may take steps to clean out your stomach (a process called lavage, or pumping the stomach) and administer activated charcoal, which can help absorb the remaining toxin.

Drug Therapies

Depending on the symptoms, cause, and severity of food poisoning, a health care provider may prescribe drugs, including:

• Oral rehydration therapy
• Antibiotics
• Antitoxin to neutralize toxins from C. botulinum (only given within the first 72 hours)
• Amitriptyline to control the numbness and tingling from ciguatera poisoning
• Apomorphine or ipecac syrup to cause vomiting and help rid the body of toxins
• Atropine for mushroom (muscaria) poisoning
• Diphenhydramine and cimetidine for fish poisoning
• Mannitol for nerve-related symptoms of ciguatera poisoning

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

If you are suffering from severe food poisoning, seek conventional medical treatment. Complementary and alternative therapies are best used to strengthen the body and aid in the prevention of food poisoning.

Nutrition

The following general nutritional guidelines may be helpful in the case of food poisoning:

• Drink plenty of fluids (to prevent dehydration).
• While recovering, eat small meals of easily digestible food (soup, rice, bananas, toast, potatoes, apples)
• Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, can help maintain or restore the balance of good bacteria in the intestine. If you are traveling to an area where the food and water may be contaminated, in addition to taking the precautions above, taking probiotics both before and during your trip may help maintain intestinal health. People with weakened immune systems should speak with their doctors before taking probiotics.
• Several in vitro studies suggest that vinegar, as well as a number of cooking herbs (including thyme, rosemary, basil, coriander, sage, spearmint, and fennel) may have antimicrobial effects against food borne pathogens. However, no study demonstrates they can prevent or treat food poisoning in humans.

Herbs

Various herbs have been used traditionally to treat different types of food poisoning. More research is needed. The following herbs should not be used in place of conventional medical care and are listed only for the purposes of discussion.

• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), its extract (silymarin), or active components (silybin or silibinin) have traditionally been used to treat liver disease. They have also been tested in people with Amanita mushroom poisoning, and reports showed success in some cases. Despite anecdotal evidence, human studies supporting the effectiveness of milk thistle for mushroom poisoning are still lacking. A few rigorous clinical studies have found no benefit of milk thistle in patients with liver disease. Side effects include allergic reactions and low blood sugar levels.

Animal studies of Chinese and Japanese combination herbal remedies used for Listeria suggest they may be effective for food poisoning. Active ingredients include Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus), Chinese cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum aromaticum), ginger root (Zingiber officinale), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), peony root (Paeonia officinalis), or skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). No human studies have confirmed these effects. Do not take these herbs if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are taking blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin). Other drug interactions or dangerous side effects are possible, so make sure you discuss any herbal treatment with your provider.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has been used traditionally to treat diarrhea from infectious causes such as E. coli and V. cholera. Berberine, the active ingredient in barberry, is also present in other plants (goldenseal, Oregon grape, and goldthread). Berberine can cause brain damage in newborns. Pregnant women should avoid berberine. Berberine may also lower blood sugar so patients with hypoglycemia or on diabetes medication should use caution. Other side effects are possible so speak to a physician before using berberine-containing herbs.

Homeopathy

Studies examining the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies for food poisoning are lacking. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person’s constitutional type — their physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. Below are some more common remedies for food poisoning or diarrhea:

• Arsenicum album
• Chamomilla
• Calcarea carbonica
• Podophyllum
• Sulphur

Prognosis/Possible Complications

Most cases of food poisoning are mild and clear up on their own within 4 to 7 days. However, with mushroom (especially Amanita) poisoning, serious complications may occur and liver transplantation may become necessary. If treated early, the mortality is about 5% to 10%. With botulism, less than 10% die, and some people may need help breathing for months afterward. Many poisonings from pufferfish are fatal, however global statistics are lacking. Death is rare in other fish poisonings, but nerve-related symptoms can continue for months.The following are some possible after effects of food poisoning:After shigellosis, white blood cell problems and kidney problemsAfter E. coli infection, kidney problems and bleeding problemsAfter botulism, long hospital stays (1 to 10 months) with fatigue and difficulty breathing for 1 to 2 years, or muscle weakness followed by respiratory failureAfter salmonellosis, reactive arthritis or Reiter syndromeAfter campylobacteriosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome (a nerve disease)

Following Up

For a severe case of food poisoning, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive fluids and electrolytes, so health care providers can monitor your breathing. Doctors may need to insert a tube down the throat (intubate) or connect you to a machine to help with breathing. Dialysis may be required. Cathartics (substances that help the body remove waste), enemas, and lavage may help eliminate toxins.

Supporting Research

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Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 2010;24(10):1423-1432. PMID: 20564545 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20564545.

Budak NH, Aykin E, Seydim AC, Greene AK, Guzel-Seydim ZB. Functional properties of vinegar. J. Food Sci. 2014;79(5):R757-R764. PMID: 24811350 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24811350.

Cao DJ. Tetanus, botulism, and food poisoning. In: Markovchick VJ, Pons PT, Bakes KM, Buchanan JA, eds. Emergency Medicine Secrets. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 52.

Graeme KA. Toxic plant ingestions. In: Auerbach PS, Cushing T, Harris NS, eds. Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 65.

Hawrelak J. Probiotics. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2013:chap 116.

Jackson BR, Griffin PM, Cole D, Walsh KA, Chai SJ. Outbreak-associated Salmonella enterica serotypes and food Commodities, United States, 1998-2008. Emerg Infect Dis. 2013;19(8):1239-1244. PMID: 23876503 www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23876503.

Jacobs J, Jonas WB, Jiménez-Pérez M, Crothers D. Homeopathy for childhood diarrhea: combined results and metaanalysis from three randomized, controlled clinical trials. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2003;22(3):229-234. PMID: 12634583 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12634583.

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Lixandru B, Dracea N, Dragomirescu C, et al. Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils against bacterial and fungal species involved in food poisoning and/or food decay. Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. 2010;69(4):224-230. PMID: 21462837 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21462837.

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Stomach does not regret: doctors told about the intestinal form of “Omicron” | Articles

When infected with the Omicron coronavirus strain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite develop much more often than with Delta, Russian doctors have recorded . According to the observations of specialists from the Research Institute of Gabrichevsky Rospotrebnadzor, about 30% of patients complain of frequent, watery stools. And more often than not, children suffer from such problems. In some infected people, the disease occurs exclusively in the intestinal form, without the usual cough and runny nose. In such cases, the diagnosis can be made only with the help of special tests, the doctors emphasized. Therefore, if atypical symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately contact medical institutions, experts advised.

Got to the guts

Although there is now a decline in the incidence of coronavirus in Russia, researchers continue to analyze the symptoms of the new Omicron strain. And today there is still no accurate data on the features of its course. However, it is already known that with the spread of Omicron, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite) began to appear much more often than with infection with the Delta strain. This was reported to Izvestia by the Deputy Director for Clinical Work of the Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after V.I. G.N. Gabrichevsky Rospotrebnadzor, doctor of medical sciences Tatyana Ruzhentsova.

– With the very first Wuhan strain, we also noted many cases accompanied by diarrhea . Now there are more of them. According to our observations, about 30% of patients complain of frequent, watery stools, 4-6 times a day , she said. – Some of them, more often in children, have a decrease in appetite, nausea.

Photo: TASS/Elena Afonina

According to Tatyana Ruzhentsova, in the youngest patients the disease is often accompanied by vomiting, which is especially pronounced on the first day of illness.

At the same time, in some cases, doctors can talk about the intestinal form of the coronavirus caused by Omicron, which occurs without respiratory symptoms. Most often, the infection occurs in this way in children of the first three years of life.

– But the isolated intestinal form is rare. Most patients with severe gastrointestinal symptoms also have respiratory symptoms: redness and itching in the throat, nasal congestion and discharge, coughing, Tatyana Ruzhentsova noted.

Diagnostic difficulties

Intestinal symptoms of the disease when infected with Omicron are manifested in more than 50% of patients , Ekaterina Melnikova, head of the clinical diagnostic department of the clinical hospital on the Yauza of the Medscan Group of Companies, gastroenterologist Yekaterina Melnikova, told Izvestia.

“An objective assessment of the statistical data does not allow the fact that many patients, on their own or on the recommendation of a doctor, start taking antibacterial drugs from the first symptoms of the disease,” the specialist explained the difference in estimates of the manifestation of intestinal symptoms.

Most often, patients report episodes of recurrent diarrhea, rarely nausea, not accompanied by pain. These unpleasant effects pass within a few days, the physician said. However, in general, the Omicron strain most often manifests itself with respiratory symptoms and intoxication, she added.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Aleksey Sukhorukov

“Symptoms are possible only from the gastrointestinal tract, but this is more likely to be an exception,” said Ekaterina Melnikova. – Patients with chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are at increased risk of exacerbation of the existing pathology against the background of a transmitted infection.

New mutations of the virus allowed it to be more contagious, and the duration and severity of the disease decreased, which also reduced the frequency of seeking medical help, Tatyana Nalegach, a therapist at the NAKFF medical clinic, told Izvestia. Therefore, it is more difficult to analyze the next rise in the incidence.

– Manifestations of “Omicron” are similar to the usual seasonal colds and flu. Brief GI symptoms occur with a range of respiratory infections such as adenovirus and rotavirus , which can be misleading. But still, most often, following from our observations, Omicron affects the respiratory system, – said Tatyana Nelegach.

As for other specific manifestations of Omicron registered in the world, these are eczema of various localizations, dry skin, urticaria, skin rash and the so-called covid fingers – cyanosis of the phalanges of the hands and feet, the experts explained.

People who often fall ill, as with the flu, suffer from headaches, chills, severe weakness, the Moscow Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after V. I. G.N. Gabrichevsky Rospotrebnadzor. At the same time, an accurate diagnosis can only be established with the help of special tests, the doctors emphasized. Therefore, it is imperative to contact medical institutions, experts pointed out.

Self-help for vomiting and diarrhea

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Vomiting and diarrhea can make you feel extremely uncomfortable. Your stomach and intestines react to the irritant. It could be food, medicine, or a stomach virus. Vomiting and diarrhea are two ways your body tries to fix an internal problem. Nausea is a symptom that prevents you from eating. This gives the stomach and intestines time to recover. To get back to normal, start with self-care to ease the discomfort.

Drink fluids

Drink to avoid losing too much fluid (dehydration):

• Clear liquids such as water or broth are the best choice.

• Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar, such as juices and sodas. This can aggravate diarrhea.

• If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, do not drink sports drinks such as electrolyte solutions. They don’t have the right mix of water, sugar, and minerals. They can also make symptoms worse. In this case, look for oral rehydration solutions.

• Suck on ice chips if the thought of drinking makes you feel sick.

When you can eat again

Use the following tips:

• When your appetite returns, you can smoothly return to a normal diet.

• Talk to your doctor about what foods to avoid for now.

Medicines

You need to know the following about medicines:

• Vomiting and diarrhea are ways your body gets rid of harmful substances such as bacteria. Do not take antidiarrheal or antiemetic (antiemetic) medicines unless your doctor tells you to.

• Aspirin, other medicines containing aspirin, and many aspirin substitutes can cause stomach problems. So don’t take them when you have an upset stomach.

• Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking that may be causing these symptoms.

• Some over-the-counter antihistamines help control nausea. Other medicines can help calm the stomach. Ask your doctor what medicines can help you.

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Bloody or black vomit or feces

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain

• Vomiting with severe headache or neck stiffness

• Vomiting after head injury

• Vomiting and diarrhea together for more than an hour

• Inability to retain even small sips of liquid for more than 12 hours

• Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours

• Severe diarrhea lasting more than 2 days

• Temperature 38°C (100.