Can COVID-19 Cause Diarrhea?

COVID-19 illness has affected millions of people around the world. You may know that COVID can cause fever, cough, and sore throat. But these aren’t the only symptoms you can experience when you’re sick with COVID. 

One study found that up to 1 in 5 people with COVID-19 experience diarrhea too. Here’s what to know about COVID-related diarrhea. 

Is diarrhea a symptom of COVID?

Yes, diarrhea can be a symptom of a COVID illness. Diarrhea isn’t a common COVID symptom. 

The most common COVID symptoms are respiratory symptoms like:

• Cough

• Congestion

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

But COVID can affect the gut and cause symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. 

It’s not clear how COVID infection triggers diarrhea. It’s possible that diarrhea develops because the virus directly impacts the gut, as follows:

• The gut, like the respiratory system, contains a large number of ACE2 enzymes (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2). 

• The COVID virus attaches to ACE2 enzymes and uses them to enter the body. 

• This means the COVID virus can enter the body through the gut. 

And when that happens, inflammation can develop in the gut and lead to symptoms that include:

• Stomach pain

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting

• Stool changes

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Can other viruses cause diarrhea? Yes, diarrhea can be a symptom of other cold viruses. Learn how to spot RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) versus COVID-19 versus the flu. 

• It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Here are the best drinks for diarrhea.

• COVID treatment can cause diarrhea too. Our experts review the most common Paxlovid side effects.

The COVID virus may also damage blood vessels in the gut. This can disrupt the gut microbiome by making it easier for “bad” bacteria to grow and crowd out “good” bacteria. This disruption can also lead to symptoms like diarrhea.

Is diarrhea a symptom of long COVID?

Yes, diarrhea can be a symptom of long COVID. Some studies suggest that diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms of long COVID, affecting up to 15% of people. 

People can develop other digestive symptoms as part of long COVID, too, including: 

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Bloating

• Gassiness

• Reflux

• Indigestion and/or heartburn

• Constipation

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Studies estimate that 1 in 5 of adults with long COVID experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom. 

What should you expect from COVID diarrhea?

Diarrhea can start any time during a COVID illness. For some people, diarrhea is their only symptom. But most people develop diarrhea along with other common COVID symptoms, like cough and congestion. 

COVID-related diarrhea is usually loose and watery. You may notice that it has a yellow or greenish color. 

Most people experience 3 to 4 episodes of diarrhea per day. The diarrhea gradually gets better on its own over 2 to 6 days.

COVID rarely causes bloody diarrhea. Seek medical care if you notice any blood in your stool when you’re sick with COVID. This can be a sign of a more serious condition or COVID-related complication. 

Should you get tested for COVID if you have diarrhea?

It’s a good idea to get tested for COVID if you have diarrhea and one of the following is true:

• There are high rates of COVID in your area. 

• You were exposed to someone with a COVID illness. 

In these situations, there’s a higher chance that diarrhea is your first COVID symptom. It’s possible that your diarrhea could be caused by something else, like food poisoning or the stomach flu. But it’s best to take a COVID test and make sure your diarrhea isn’t from a COVID illness.

When should you seek medical care for COVID-related diarrhea?

Diarrhea from COVID should get better each day and go away completely on its own after 2 to 6 days. 

You should seek medical care if your diarrhea isn’t getting better each day or it hasn’t gone away after 6 days. You should seek immediate care if you develop concerning symptoms along with diarrhea. These symptoms include:

• Fever higher than 102°F

• Bloody stools 

• Black, tarry stool

• Severe abdominal pain

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Inability to eat or drink

Luckily, these severe symptoms aren’t common. Most people are able to manage their COVID diarrhea at home. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids when you’re sick with diarrhea to avoid dehydration. 

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Written by:

Meredith Grace Merkley, DO, FAAP

Meredith Grace Merkley, DO, FAAP, is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with over a decade of work in community health. She serves as the medical director of a school-based health clinic at a federally funded health center.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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