While it may be widely known that common symptoms of Covid include fatigue, sore throats and headaches, there is another widespread symptom that is cited among sufferers.
According to data collected by the ZOE Health Study app, diarrhea is a common symptom of Covid for vaccinated Britons.
The data shows that there was an increase in people reporting this symptom in January 2022 and that some of this was related to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
However, the ZOE team noted that there appeared to be a “surge of other non-Covid tummy bugs as well”.
The team said that diarrhea can be an early symptom of the virus, starting on the first day of infection and getting worse over the course of a week.
“It usually lasts an average of two to three days, but can last up to seven days in adults,” the ZOE team said.
The data found that this symptom has become less common with each variant, with nearly a third of adults over 35 reporting diarrhea during the Alpha wave, while only one in five said the experienced during the Omicron and Delta waves.
People who experienced it during the last two waves had either been vaccinated twice or had also received their booster shot.
The NHS says diarrhea is common in adults and the most important thing is to stay hydrated.
The health service also advises staying at home and resting a lot, and eating food when you feel able.
If you have diarrhea along with other common Covid symptoms such as a high temperature, a new cough and a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, make sure you get tested for Covid and follow government guidelines if you test positive.