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COVID-19 has an infamously long list of symptoms, ranging from a dry cough to a rash on the toes. This can prevent some people from getting a quick diagnosis, as many physical signs can be mistaken for other problems, such as allergies or the common cold.
However, one symptom is both common and relatively unique to the coronavirus – a pretty sure sign that you’ve caught COVID: loss of smell or taste. This is usually a sure sign that someone has COVID. Read on to find out how to spot it, and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these sure signs that you’ve already had coronavirus.
COVID seems to attack the nose first
A recent analysis of the studies found that 77% of coronavirus patients reported loss of smell when tested, and this was one of the first symptoms of the disease. Another study found that the loss of odor was a more reliable indicator of COVID-19 than more well-known symptoms such as fever and cough.
Meanwhile, a loss of taste or smell is rarely associated with other conditions whose symptoms overlap with COVID-19, such as colds and allergies.
Scientists aren’t sure exactly why the coronavirus tends to cause anosmia (the scientific term for loss of smell), but the picture is becoming clearer.
“We have been looking for this data for less than a year. Yet, so far, it suggests that the primary attack of the coronavirus is in the nose, in the nasal epithelium, which is the skin layer of responsible cells. ‘express smells, “says Leo Nissola, MD. “It appears that viral attacks support cells and stem cells in the nose, but not neurons directly, which doesn’t mean neurons can’t be affected.”
He adds, “These cells maintain balance and signal the brain. In some patients, when they are infected with COVID, this balance is disturbed, which leads to a shutdown of neuronal signaling, and therefore of smell. The cells also provide support to hold the eyelashes on the nose where the receptors that detect odors are located. If the virus disrupts these eyelashes, you lose the ability to smell. “
RELATED: Symptoms of COVID Usually Appear in This Order, Study Finds
‘Olfactory blindness’ is common, can be chronic
Several studies have shown that loss of odor is a common and potentially long-lasting symptom of COVID. According to a survey published in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this year, 64% of coronavirus patients reported loss of smell or taste. A July CDC study found symptoms lasted an average of eight days, but some people experienced them for weeks.
This can be problematic, as “smell blindness” can lead to loss of appetite and malnutrition.
As for you, do all you can to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distancing, only do essential groceries, wash your hands regularly, sanitize surfaces frequently affected and get through this pandemic to the best of your health, don’t miss them 35 places where you’re most likely to catch COVID.
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