The coronavirus hit the UK hard this week, with 29 more hospital confirmed deaths – up from 11 the previous Sunday. A single gruesome picture was drawn yesterday with the number of hospital deaths more than doubling compared to last week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an interview with Andrew Marr that this is likely to ‘be tough until Christmas’ and that the news is likely to come by 2021.
In the midst of all this uncertainty and growth, showing the essence of COVD-19 – the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 – is more important than ever.
Reports show that viral disease can cause a spectrum of symptoms, leading to much confusion.
However, a new study conducted by researchers from UCL and UCLH (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) could identify the most reliable indicator of COVID-19.
The main finding is that severe loss of sense of smell and / or taste is the most common indicator of viral disease.
Read more: Improve Coronavirus Symptoms: If Your Eyes Change This Color You May Have Covid-19
It has long been established that Covid-19, without a cough or fever, can cause a decrease in the ability to smell or smell or reduce taste.
With a new, persistent cough and fever, the NHS has listed it as one of the main symptoms.
According to researchers, however, for the first time no specific figure has been calculated.
For this study, the researchers looked at a group of people in the community who lost their smell and / or taste, to see how many had antibodies.
Since the proportions of this group are high in antibodies, this indicates that odor and / or loss of taste is a predictor of COVID-19 infection.
Although self-isolation and testing based on odor or taste loss is recommended only in the UK, some countries globally identify odor and / or taste loss and recommend testing and self-isolation.
The majority are focused on fever and respiratory symptoms.
This must be changed to slow the spread of the disease, the researchers said.
Lead author Professor Bitterham said: “As we approach the second wave of infection, early recognition of COVID-19 symptoms by rapid self-isolation and testing by people will be of vital importance in limiting the spread of the disease.
“Severe loss of sense of smell needs to be considered globally as a measure of self-isolation, testing and contact tracing.
“Our findings suggest that one of the main health messages is that people who lack the ability to smell odors like garlic, onions, coffee and perfume should take a PCR test.”
What should I do if I lose my sense of taste and / or smell?
According to the NHS, if you have the main symptoms of coronavirus:
- Get a test to see if you have coronavirus soon.
- Stay at home and don’t keep visitors until your exam results come out – just leave your home to test.
