Are new COVID strains causing more GI issues & stomachaches? We talked to an NC doctor
As COVID continues to spread across the country, many who contract the virus will undoubtedly experience a host of symptoms.
The KP.3.1.1 variant has remained the dominant strain for the last month, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a new COVID variant – XEC – has emerged, but it’s unknown if there are unique symptoms.
What are the latest COVID strain’s symptoms?
Fever, cough, shortness of breath and congestion are among the most common symptoms associated with the virus, according to the CDC — but they aren’t the only signs indicative of an infection.
COVID can also cause gastrointestinal issues, such as lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and they could be the only symptoms in some people infected with COVID, according to University of Nebraska Medical Center.
But there’s no need to panic.
Can the new COVID strain cause more GI issues?
Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, told The Charlotte Observer that, though there has been anecdotal evidence showing an increase in GI symptoms due to new COVID strains, there is no data to back up the claim.
“It’s not the most prominent issue with COVID,” Weber said. “What you see is, first it’s fever, cough and sore throat, and then congestion and shortness of breath, but you can see nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”
Weber also noted that GI symptoms tend to occur after respiratory symptoms, and that GI problems tend to be more common in children.
COVID surge in North Carolina
Weber said the number of cases have dropped recently, but they’re still “much higher” than they were earlier this year.
He told the Observer last month that a surge occurred because:
New variants are popping up that natural immunity does not protect against.
Most of the population isn’t regularly receiving shots, so immunity is waning.
COVID-19 levels in wastewater are also “very high” in North Carolina, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but three new vaccines should help fight the virus.
Small changes in the level of virus in wastewater can be an early signal that the number of people with COVID-19 in a community is rising or falling, according to the CDC.
Who should get the updated COVID vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, NCDHHS told the Observer, including:
People 65 years and older
Children younger than 5
Pregnant women
Those with a weakened immune system
Those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity
Where to get the updated COVID vaccine in NC
You can schedule appointments online and/or walk in for a vaccine at many local stores, including:
Local neighborhood pharmacies have also received the latest vaccines.
You can also find vaccines near you through the CDC’s online pharmacy lookup tool at vaccines.gov.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Are new COVID strains causing more GI issues & stomachaches? We talked to an NC doctor."
