27-05-2025
COVID-19 resurgence: Could stomach ache be a symptom? Experts warn of gastrointestinal issues linked to JN.1 variant
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and even China. However, India has also been seeing a COVID-19 resurgence for the past week. On May 27, Tuesday, the total number of Covid cases has reached the mark of 1010; however, according to experts, these are mild cases with subtle symptoms; hence, there is nothing to panic about.
Currently, the rise in cases is cited to new variants called NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, which are under observation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and so far there is no reason for concern that has been flagged yet.
What is the JN.1 variant of COVID-19?
JN.1 is a subvariant of Omicron that evolves from the BA.2.86 variant and is also known as Pirola. This variant was first identified in Luxembourg in 2023, and since then it has spread to other parts of the world, and now India.
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Common symptoms of JN.1
Some symptoms of JN.1 are similar to earlier variants of Omicron, and some include:
Fever or chills
Dry cough
Sore throat
Fatigue
Headache
Runny or blocked nose
Muscle aches
Shortness of breath
Gastrointestinal issues are a symptom of JN. 1 variant of COVID-19?
The above-mentioned symptoms usually appear 2 to 14 days after the exposure and are often mild. 'The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 has shown a different set of symptoms compared to earlier strains, with gastrointestinal (GI) issues being more commonly reported. Unlike the original variants that primarily caused respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, and breathlessness, JN.1 has been linked to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea in some patients,' warns Dr. Raosaheb Rathod, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist & Therapeutic Endoscopist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 is characterised by gastrointestinal problems as a symptom, something which was not entirely new but has become more common and pronounced than with previous variants. 'This can be due to how the virus has evolved to affect different systems of the body,' Dr Rathod said.
How to differentiate between gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 and stomach infection?
The JN.1 variant appears to have a stronger link with the gastrointestinal tract, possibly due to changes in the way it binds to receptors in the gut lining. According to Dr. Rathod, 'It may be causing inflammation in the digestive system. While these symptoms are generally mild, they can be confusing and easily mistaken for common stomach infections.'
'Remember, the monsoon has begun now, and stomach infections are common during the monsoon. So, making awareness and timely testing important for accurate diagnosis and care. It is necessary to consult the doctor and go for COVID-19 testing in case of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea that persist for a day or two,' he adds.
Risk factors for gastrointestinal discomfort and COVID-19
Although the GI symptoms existed in previous COVID-19 strains as well, they were less frequent and mostly mild in nature. However, these symptoms appear to be more noticeable and more common in people with JN.1. 'The precise explanation for this change is probably because mutations in the virus have occurred, more so in the spike protein, enabling the virus to impact the body differently,' says Dr Pranav Honnavara Srinivasan, consultant surgical gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospitals Nagarbhavi.
The problems presented are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, reduced appetite, loose stools or mild abdominal pain. 'Risk factors for serious illness include being old, having comorbidities, or being immunocompromised. Immunisation, boosters, and other measures such as masking and hygiene can reduce risks,' adds Dr. Srinivasan.
