And while it may also spread through fecal-oral transmission, this risk should be low if you're practicing proper bathroom etiquette. Instead, COVID-19 primarily spreads through infectious respiratory droplets. "This only occurs in a subset of people, though, and it's important to note that COVID-19 isn't foodborne like the other viruses and bacteria that are the more common causes of diarrhea." "Interestingly, the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can cause a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including acute diarrhea," Dr. Several types of bacteria can also cause acute diarrhea through foodborne illness. They're frequently found in day-care facilities and passed from child to parents. Many of the viruses that cause foodborne illness are very contagious, making fecal-oral transmission a possibility.įor instance, norovirus and rotavirus - the most common causes of diarrhea, often referred to as stomach flu - can quickly spread through homes, workplaces and other close quarters, like cruise ships. "These infections are typically self-limiting and the resulting diarrhea often doesn't last beyond 48 hours." "Acute diarrhea is almost always the result of an intestinal infection - usually viral, often foodborne," says Dr. The two have different underlying causes. It also frequently presents with other symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and even fever.Ĭhronic diarrhea, on the other hand, persists over a longer period of time - 30 days or more by true clinical definition. There are two overarching types of diarrhea - acute and chronic.īoth result in the release of loose and watery stools, usually at least three times in a single 24-hour period.Īcute diarrhea is transient - lasting for just a day or two, though sometimes as long as two weeks. "But it can also be severe or chronic, and that's when diarrhea becomes more concerning." What causes diarrhea?
Neeharika Kalakota, a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist. "Diarrhea is very common and, most of the time, it's short-lived and clears up on its own," says Dr. And if it's something you've been dealing with for a while, you're looking for answers.
When you've got it, you want it over fast. It keeps you tied to a bathroom, interrupting your day.
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