COVID and stomach flu: what to know

Digestive symptoms may occur alongside COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness or loss of smell. Gastroenteritis more often centres on diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and reduced appetite, although patterns overlap.

The symptoms do not identify the virus by themselves. Recent exposure, respiratory symptoms, travel, food exposures and illness in your household can help a clinician assess the possibilities. Dehydration is a concern with either illness when fluid losses exceed intake.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, and return gradually to light meals as appetite improves. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for others while vomiting or diarrhoea continues. Consider COVID-19 testing if respiratory symptoms or a known exposure are present.

Get medical advice for persistent vomiting, worsening abdominal pain, blood in stool, inability to drink, very little urine, dizziness or unusual sleepiness. Urgent help is needed for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion or signs of serious dehydration.

Ask whether your pattern suggests COVID-19 or gastroenteritis, whether you need testing, and how to replace fluids safely if you have kidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy or another ongoing condition.