Predominance of an altered sense of smell or taste among long-lasting symptoms in patients with mildly symptomatic COVID-19

Rhinology. 2020 Oct 1;58(5):524-525. doi: 10.4193/Rhin20.263.

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that a new onset of altered sense of smell or taste is related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In order to allow patients to recognize symptoms indicative of SARS-CoV-2 infection and self-isolate at the earliest opportunity, self-reported loss of smell and taste have greater value in controlling disease transmis- sion than psychophysical testing, which is not widely available outside of highly specialized clinics.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Olfaction Disorders / virology*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Smell
  • Taste
  • Taste Disorders / virology*