Doctors and researchers still have much to learn about the exact symptoms caused by COVID-19, but a group of ear, nose and throat doctors now suspect two such symptoms may be an altered sense of taste, called dysgeusia, and a loss of smell, known as anosmia.
In a statement released earlier this week, the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery reported: “Anecdotal evidence is rapidly accumulating from sites around the world that anosmia and dysgeusia are significant symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Anosmia, in particular, has been seen in patients ultimately testing positive for the coronavirus with no other symptoms.”
But many other viral infections, including the common cold, similarly can impair one’s senses. About 40% of patients recovering from a viral illness report a loss of smell, according to Dr. D.J. Verret, who’s double board certified in otolaryngology, head and neck, and facial plastic surgery.
