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

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 transmission than psychophysical testing, which is not widely available outside of highly specialized clinics.