Is diarrhea a common symptom of COVID-19?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Diarrhea is a recognized symptom of COVID-19, though it occurs less frequently than respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Studies suggest that gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and loss of appetite, may appear in roughly 10-20% of COVID-19 cases and can sometimes precede respiratory issues. In some patients, the presence of diarrhea has been linked to more severe infection outcomes.

Because diarrhea can stem from many causes—viral infections, food sensitivities, medications, or chronic conditions—it's important not to assume COVID-19 based on one symptom alone. The fastest way to clarify what's happening in your body is to take a free, instant, online symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights based on your specific symptoms, helping you decide whether to rest at home, consult a doctor, or seek urgent care—so you can act with confidence instead of guessing.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of COVID-related diarrhea Learn if these symptoms need care today Find out if COVID is causing this See what might explain ongoing diarrhea symptoms Find OTC relief for diarrhea symptoms Find a doctor for diarrhea concerns Understand when to check your symptoms

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Explanation

Prevalence of Diarrhea in COVID-19:

Common Symptom: While COVID-19 is primarily known for causing respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, have also been reported. Studies indicate that diarrhea can occur in approximately 2% to 50% of patients with COVID-19, depending on the population studied and the severity of the disease.
Timing of Symptoms: Diarrhea may appear early in the course of the illness or later, sometimes even after the resolution of respiratory symptoms. This variability can make it challenging to associate diarrhea directly with COVID-19.

Pathogenesis of Diarrhea

Viral Impact on the Gut: The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can affect the gastrointestinal tract. The virus can bind to ACE2 receptors present in the intestinal lining, leading to inflammation and disruption of normal gut function. This can result in symptoms such as diarrhea.
Immune Response: The body's immune response to the virus can also contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms. Inflammation and changes in gut microbiota may play a role in the development of diarrhea during COVID-19.

Management of Diarrhea

Hydration: It is important for individuals experiencing diarrhea to stay hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to fluid loss and dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths, is essential.
Dietary Considerations: Eating a bland diet may help manage symptoms. We used to recommend the bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), but found it is actually better to eat more nutrient-rich foods that are still easy on the stomach and catered to your individual cultural preferences.
Consulting Healthcare Providers: If diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as high fever or severe abdominal pain), it is important to seek medical attention. You can start by using a free symptom checker to help assess your symptoms and determine the best next steps for care.

(References)

Friedel DM, Cappell MS. Diarrhea and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;52(1):59-75. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.11.001. Epub 2022 Nov 14. PMID: 36813431; PMCID: PMC9659511.
D'Amico F, Baumgart DC, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Diarrhea During COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2020 Jul;18(8):1663-1672. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 Apr 8. PMID: 32278065; PMCID: PMC7141637.
Megyeri K, Dernovics Á, Al-Luhaibi ZII, Rosztóczy A. COVID-19-associated diarrhea. World J Gastroenterol. 2021 Jun 21;27(23):3208-3222. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i23.3208. PMID: 34163106; PMCID: PMC8218355.

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