Coronavirus: The digestive symptom seen in triple-vaccinated COVID patients

Coronavirus symptoms are not just limited to a cough, a sore throat or a runny nose. It can go beyond respiratory symptoms and can affect other parts of the body, including your digestive symptom. Interestingly, due to the emergence of new COVID variants, widespread infection and vaccination, COVID-19 illness has taken a milder turn. More so, the symptoms have changed dramatically. Recent studies have also suggested a change in the kind of symptoms COVID patients experience depending on their vaccination status.

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According to ZOE health study, COVID symptoms may vary depending on how many vaccine dose or doses you have received.

In double vaccinated people, common symptoms include:

- Sore throat

- Runny nose

- Blocked nose

- Persistent cough

- Headache.

In those who have received a single dose, common COVID symptoms include:

- Headache

- Runny nose

- Sore throat

- Sneezing

- Persistent cough.

And among the unvaccinated, symptoms such as headache, sore throat, runny nose, fever and persistent cough are more common and frequent.

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Data collated by ZOE health experts also showed that loss of appetite is an “early” sign of COVID.

Up to 27% of people infected with the virus, particularly the Delta or Omicron variant, and those who have received three doses of the COVID vaccine, are experiencing the symptom.

As compared to previous numbers, the amount of people experiencing this digestive symptom has gone down considerably. Earlier on in the pandemic, three in 10 adults with Covid reported experiencing a loss of appetite - four in ten people among the over 65 years of age.

Furthermore, the data from ZOE showed that people with more severe COVID-19 often suffered loss of appetite alongside confusion, or clustered with shortness of breath, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Having no appetite at all is not a good sign, especially when it comes to your health.

The ZOE health study says, “Skipping meals as a symptom of Covid was first spotted in care homes.

“Carers noticed their residents were off their food and they also often lost their appetites during their illness.

“A loss of appetite is a normal part of being unwell and can be caused by feeling too sick or tired to make or eat a meal," the health study shares.

In addition, experts say, "Having no appetite is always a sign of ill-health and should be looked out for in older relatives or people you are caring for.

“Losing your appetite is an early sign of Covid but it usually comes back after a few days.

“Early in the pandemic we found that there was a distinct cluster of gastrointestinal Covid symptoms, including headache, loss of smell, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, sore throat, chest pain, no cough,” the study authors further added.

Wearing masks, maintaining social distance and following proper hand hygiene still provide the best protection against the SARs-CoV-2 virus. In addition, it also helps keep other respiratory viruses like the flu, common cold and allergies at bay.

Although infections have taken a milder turn, it is important to protect those who are vulnerable in society. Those who fall in the high risk category continue to be at risk of developing severe COVID infections.

The first thing to do when you develop symptoms or do not feel well is to isolate yourself and try your best to stay away from older adults and kids. Get yourself tested immediately and until and unless your test results read 'negative', stay in isolation.

Make sure to rest, eat healthy foods and hydrate yourself. In case of any serious respiratory complications, contact your nearest hospital and seek medical supervision.