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Research suggests that loss of sense of smell may be a more reliable indicator of covid-19 than cough or fever.
In a study of 990 people by University College London (UCL), at the beginning of the year, 0% of people who lost their sense of smell or taste had coronavirus antibodies.
Of those with antibodies, 40% had no other symptoms.
The research only looked at people with mild symptoms, though.
There is evidence that the loss of smell and taste may be signs of coronavirus, which began to appear around April, and they joined the official list of symptoms in mid-May.
The current guidelines state that anyone who experiences a loss, or changes in their sense of smell or taste, should self-isolate and apply for testing.
But the lead author of the UCL study, Prof. Rachel Betterham says coughs and fevers are still seen by many who have an eye.
He visited four GPs in London between 23 April and 14 May. Recruiting people by sending texts through surgery, registering those who have reported losing their smell or taste in the previous four weeks.
These participants were tested for antibodies, and four of the five were positive, indicating a previous Covid-19 infection.
This study was constrained by the fact that all of its participants had mild symptoms, including or limited odor or taste loss, so they may not be representative of all covid patients.
But his findings underscore the importance of finding a change in people’s sense of smell or taste and isolating themselves if they realize they can’t smell “everyday” things like perfume, bleach, toothpaste or coffee, says Prof. Betterham said. .
While not all coronavirus patients will necessarily lose their sense of smell, if you lose your sense of smell, they are more likely to get coronavirus, this research seems suggestive.
Professor Betterheim explained that there is a loss of smell without a blocked or runny nose.
It is thought that the loss of odor occurs with Covid-19, as the virus invades cells on the back of the nose, throat and tongue.
This is different from the experience of being cold where the smell and taste can change as the person’s airways are blocked.
Researchers at King’s College London, who run the Covid symptom study study app, previously found that approximately 60% of people lost their sense of smell or taste from coronavirus.
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Although this is considered a mild symptom and no one is likely to be hospitalized, Professor Betterham points out the potential dangers of losing your sense of smell, including not being able to detect smoking, gas or food that has been leaked.
If suffered for a long period, it can also have a significant impact on people’s quality of life.
Thousands of people have reported worrying experiences, including starting a fire and smelling smoke. Some people have noticed a persistent “waste” odor or metallic taste, while others have been found to be unable to taste food for months after the virus is clear.
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Professor Butterham pointed out that a group of people who just lose the smell without experiencing any other symptoms may also be the “biggest risk” for others because they generally feel better and can move on with their daily lives. , M Pro.
Although the two often go together, a reduction or change in smell is more common in people improved from coronavirus than in loss of taste, he said.
Her research came at a time when odor and taste loss were not recognized symptoms of the virus.
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