Nausea and Vomiting: What to Know About These COVID-19 Symptoms in the Omicron Era

Early stomach upset could signal infection before common respiratory symptoms appear.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 22, 2025

Early stomach upset could signal infection before common respiratory symptoms appear.

COVID-19 has shifted through several variants since the beginning of the pandemic, and with each change, popular symptoms have fluctuated. Apart from the commonly discussed respiratory symptoms, digestive complaints like nausea and vomiting have become increasingly recognized in people infected with Omicron and its subvariants. Here, we explore how these symptoms relate to COVID-19, who’s most at risk, how to recognize them, and what actions to take if you experience digestive symptoms.

Recognizing Digestive Symptoms of COVID-19

Nausea and vomiting have long been noted as possible symptoms of COVID-19, especially with Omicron and its newer offshoots. While these symptoms are less common than cough, fever, or loss of smell and taste, they can nevertheless occur by themselves or together with typical upper respiratory symptoms.

For those concerned about gastrointestinal illnesses, understanding the symptoms and causes, including detailed insights on Norovirus symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention, can be invaluable during pandemic times. Recognizing these subtleties early can lead to better health outcomes and more informed decisions.

Nausea: A general uneasiness or queasiness of the stomach, sometimes leading to vomiting.
Vomiting: A forceful ejection of stomach contents, usually lasting less than a day in COVID-19.
Other digestive symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite are also reported.

Children may present differently. Pediatric COVID-19 infections can start with gastrointestinal complaints like nausea and vomiting, even when respiratory symptoms are absent or milder. This makes early detection, particularly in kids, more challenging but ever more important.

Why Does COVID-19 Cause Digestive Symptoms?

The reason for these gastrointestinal complaints during a COVID-19 infection lies primarily in how the virus interacts with the body:

Understanding the broader impact of COVID-19 on the body is essential. For those looking for clarity on how symptoms escalate, our article on Fatigue, Muscle Soreness, and Tiredness as Key Signs of Omicron COVID-19 Symptoms dives into the interconnectedness of these concerns and how they manifest.

Attachment to ACE2 Receptors: SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptors, which are present not only in the lungs but also throughout the digestive tract.
Direct effect: Once attached, the virus can enter digestive tract cells, causing local inflammation that triggers nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Additionally, the stress and lack of appetite caused by illness can further amplify gastrointestinal symptoms. This is compounded for COVID-19 patients who also lose their sense of taste or smell.

How Common Are Nausea and Vomiting with Omicron and New Variants?

While Omicron and its subvariants (including NB.1.8.1 and ‘Stratus’) are widely known for causing cold-like symptoms, nausea and vomiting have become steadily more reported in both adults and children.

In these uncertain times, staying informed is crucial. For effective prevention strategies and recognizing symptoms, check out our comprehensive guide on Norovirus Symptoms, Prevention, and What to Do If You Catch the Stomach Flu Bug. This knowledge not only empowers you but also helps safeguard others.

Alongside runny nose, cough, headache, and sore throat, many cases now report digestive upset as either an initial or secondary symptom.
Some studies suggest that people who experience digestive problems with COVID-19 could face higher risks of complications, though strong evidence is still developing.
For some, digestive symptoms may be the main (or only) signs of infection, underlining the importance of not overlooking them.

Common Omicron Symptoms	Frequency	Comments
Runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat	Very common	May resemble cold or flu
Nausea/vomiting	Moderately common	Sometimes first sign in children and some adults
Diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite	Occasional	More likely with certain variants and in at-risk groups
Loss of taste or smell	Less common with Omicron	More prominent in earlier COVID-19 waves

Symptom Progression: How COVID-19 Affects the Body Day by Day

A large study from the University of Southern California mapped the typical order in which COVID-19 symptoms appear. Omicron cases often follow a similar sequence:

Navigating the emotional challenges tied to health can be daunting. If you or someone you know struggles with this anxiety, our resource on Living With Emetophobia: Coping With the Fear of Vomiting provides practical strategies and insights, equipping you to manage these fears effectively.

Fever or chills
Cough (dry or productive)
Muscle pain, headache
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea

However, it is important to remember that COVID-19 is highly variable. Some people start with digestive complaints and never develop other symptoms; others progress through several stages as above.

When to Worry: Duration and Complications

Vomiting usually resolves within 1224 hours in uncomplicated COVID-19 cases.
Nausea can linger for several days after acute infection, and might persist for a few weeks in some.
Ongoing digestive symptoms—lasting weeks or months—could indicate long COVID and warrant follow-up care.

Monitor for signs of severe dehydration or other complications, especially in young children, elderly people, or anyone with chronic health conditions.

Understanding symptom duration is vital for all patients. For those interested in how vaccination status affects symptom longevity, our article on How Long Do COVID-19 Symptoms Last If You’re Vaccinated? explores critical insights that can guide you through recovery.

At-Risk Groups for Severe Digestive Symptoms

Certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness or complications if they develop COVID-19 with digestive symptoms:

Pregnant people
Very young children (especially under 2 years old)
Adults older than 60
Individuals with obesity (BMI over 35 kg/m²)
People with chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, asthma)

What to Do If You Experience Nausea or Vomiting

If you have recently developed nausea and vomiting, especially with other symptoms such as cough or fever, take a COVID-19 test and begin to self-isolate until results are clear.
Stay hydrated—drink fluids, but avoid sweet drinks or caffeinated sodas which may worsen nausea.
Monitor for other symptoms, such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, or high fever.
If you test positive and your symptoms are manageable, continue to isolate, rest, and call your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Seek urgent medical care if:
- You are unable to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
- You have signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, low urine output).
- You develop new chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing.
- The sick person is a child under 2, elderly, or has other chronic illnesses.

Guidance for High-Risk Individuals

Those in high-risk categories should be especially cautious:

Wear a mask and practice good hand hygiene if you have any flu-like or digestive symptoms.
Isolate from others at home, especially from vulnerable family members.
Get tested as soon as possible; if positive, promptly consult your healthcare provider.
Remain vigilant for worsening symptoms, especially dehydration, confusion, or breathing trouble.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Identifying nausea and vomiting as possible COVID-19 symptoms is important:

Early detection can reduce the spread of the virus—especially in household and child care settings.
Prompt action (testing, isolation, hydration) improves outcomes for those at higher risk of severe or complicated illness.

Since Omicron and other modern variants often present with milder or more varied symptoms, digestive issues can be a critical clue that a COVID-19 infection is starting or underway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is vomiting a symptom of COVID-19?

Yes, vomiting has been observed as a symptom of COVID-19 in some patients. It is more commonly reported alongside other digestive symptoms—like diarrhea, loss of appetite, or stomach pain—but sometimes occurs on its own, particularly in children.

How long do nausea and vomiting last if caused by COVID-19?

Vomiting due to COVID-19 typically resolves in 12 to 24 hours, but the sensation of nausea may persist for several days or even weeks in rare cases. If lingering symptoms occur, discuss with your healthcare provider as this could indicate long-term effects.

Can you have only digestive symptoms without other COVID-19 signs?

Yes. While most people experience respiratory symptoms such as cough or sore throat, a portion of infected individuals—especially children—may present primarily with digestive upset. These should not be dismissed as “just a stomach bug,” especially if community COVID-19 rates are high.

Are digestive symptoms associated with particular COVID-19 variants?

Omicron and its descendants have not been shown to cause distinctly different symptoms than earlier variants, but gastrointestinal complaints are increasingly noted. The overall spectrum of symptoms has broadened, with more individuals reporting nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite loss with COVID-19.

When should I seek medical attention for nausea or vomiting with suspected COVID-19?

If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.
If you show signs of dehydration (minimal urination, dizziness, very dry mouth).
If a young child, elderly individual, or immunocompromised person is sick with gastrointestinal symptoms.
If symptoms rapidly worsen or are accompanied by chest pain, confusion, or shortness of breath.

Key Takeaways

Nausea and vomiting are recognized symptoms of COVID-19, including Omicron and current variants.
These digestive symptoms may occur with or without traditional respiratory complaints.
Children and certain high-risk adults may show only digestive upset in early infection.
If you develop sudden nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—especially alongside other symptoms—take a COVID-19 test and isolate as necessary.
Stay hydrated and seek medical care if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or occur in high-risk populations.

COVID-19 remains unpredictable, and vigilance for all symptom types—including gastrointestinal—is the best strategy for early identification and optimal outcomes.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete