“Altogether, many efforts should be made to be alert on the initial digestive symptoms of COVID-19 for early detection, early diagnosis, early isolation and early intervention.”
This study advises that care be taken when treating COVID-19 positive or suspected patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Live virus has been found in stool samples. The digestive system may be a route of transmission of COVID-19, not only the respiratory system as previously thought. Healthcare processes will therefore need to ensure safe processes against aerosols in respiratory transmission and also gastrointestinal processes, such as human waste management.
Gu, Jinyang; Han, Bing; Wang, Jian. “COVID-19: Gastrointestinal manifestations and potential fecal-oral transmission” Gastroenterology. February 26, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.02.054.
