Loss of smell and taste has been anecdotally linked to COVID-19 infections. In a study published on April 12, 2020 in the journal International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, researchers at UC San Diego Health report the first empirical findings that strongly associate sensory loss with COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Researchers say that if you have smell and taste loss, you are more than 10 times more likely to have COVID-19 infection than other causes of infection. The most common first sign of a COVID-19 infection remains fever, but fatigue and loss of smell and taste follow as other very common initial symptoms. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus. This study at UC San Diego Health supports the need to be aware of smell and taste loss as early signs of COVID-19. Also Read – Antiviral drugs that cure cats may be our answer to COVID-19: Here’s all you need to know

Sensory impairment is usually profound

Researchers surveyed 1,480 patients with flu-like symptoms and concerns regarding potential COVID-19 infection who underwent testing at UC San Diego Health from March 3 through March 29, 2020. Within that total, 102 patients tested positive for the virus and 1,378 tested negative. The study included responses from 59 COVID-19-positive patients and 203 COVID-19-negative patients. The study demonstrated the high prevalence and unique presentation of certain sensory impairments in patients positive with COVID-19. Of those who reported loss of smell and taste, the loss was typically profound, not mild. But encouragingly, the rate of recovery of smell and taste was high and occurred usually within two to four weeks of infection. Also Read – Delhi Metro services to resume soon: How to stay safe while commuting

Sensory return matched the timing of disease recovery

Researchers say that this proves that the high incidence of loss of smell and taste is specific to COVID-19 infection. For the majority of people, sensory recovery was generally rapid. Among the COVID-19 patients with smell loss, more than 70 per cent reported improvement of smell at the time of survey and of those who hadn’t reported improvement, many had only been diagnosed recently. Sensory return typically matched the timing of disease recovery. Interestingly, the researchers found that persons who reported experiencing a sore throat more often tested negative for COVID-19. In an effort to decrease risk of virus transmission, UC San Diego Health now includes loss of smell and taste as a screening requirement for visitors and staff, as well as a marker for testing patients who may be positive for the virus. Also Read – Giloy: The Ayurvedic herb popularised by COVID-19 has side effects too

Typical symptoms of COVID-19

Other known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, cough and difficulty breathing. Respondents in this study were most often persons with milder forms of COVID-19 infection who did not require hospitalization or intubation. The findings underline the importance of identifying early or subtle symptoms of COVID-19 infection in people who may be at risk of transmitting the disease as they recuperate within the community. They hope that with these findings other institutions will follow suit and not only list smell and taste loss as a symptom of COVID-19, but use it as a screening measure for the virus across the world.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published : August 31, 2020 7:41 pm