Loss of Smell Is No Longer Telltale Sign of COVID
The arrival of fall reminds us to prepare for the usual sniffles and coughs that come with the colder months ahead. Adding to the mix of worries is the ongoing concern of COVID-19. However, a recent study suggests that losing the sense of smell — once considered a symptom of COVID-19 — might not be a reliable indicator anymore.
The results come from an analysis of a large set of medical records gathered by the National Institutes of Health for COVID-19 researchers across the country.
Dr. Evan Reiter, led the study at VCU Health’s Smell and Taste Disorders Center and published a report in May in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The report investigated the likelihood of COVID-19 patients experiencing loss of smell and taste. Initially, about half of the cases showed loss of smell during the early pandemic phase, but recent research indicates a lower prevalence of 3% to 4% during the Omicron waves.
Evolving symptoms
This study highlights the evolving symptoms caused by the virus due to emerging variants and the protection offered by immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, which early patients lacked.
Another recent study from University College London noted a significant decrease in cases reporting a loss of taste or smell. This was after the emergence of the Omicron strain in 2021. As new variants emerged, the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 started resembling common respiratory issues. The highly contagious Omicron strains even led to more coughing and sneezing, as highlighted in the journal Scientific Reports.
During both last year’s and this year’s Omicron waves, the study noted that “the likelihood of losing the sense of smell due to infection was as low as 6%, in contrast to the rates observed in 2020.” The latest CDC data indicates that nearly all the currently circulating COVID-19 strains are versions of the Omicron variant.
5 Surprising Symptoms People Ignore Most When They're Sick
Cold sweats or Chills
Chills and cold sweats can be uncomfortable. Chills feel like a sudden wave of cold running through your body, making you shiver. Cold sweats, on the other hand, are when you start sweating but your skin feels cold and damp instead of warm. Some people may not immediately associate these symptoms with something serious. They might attribute them to temporary factors such as being in a cold environment or wearing too many layers of clothing. People may underestimate the significance of cold sweats or chills, especially if they are not accompanied by other noticeable symptoms. They may assume it’s just a passing discomfort that doesn’t require medical attention.
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Fever
When you have a fever, your body temperature rises above its normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). Fevers can vary in severity and may range from mild to high-grade, depending on the underlying cause. Sometimes, people ignore a fever for a few reasons. They might think it’s just a common cold or flu and believe it’ll go away on its own. It’s important to remember that a fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection or an underlying health condition.
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Body Aches
When you experience body aches, you may feel soreness, tenderness, or a general sense of discomfort in your muscles, joints, or other areas. People may dismiss body aches because they may think it’s just a normal part of everyday life and not something to be concerned about. Some may believe their body aches are due to factors like physical exertion, tiredness, or overexertion during exercise. Also, if someone has experienced them before and they have resolved on their own.
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Green Mucus
Some people may believe that the color of mucus is not a reliable indicator of an illness. While green mucus can be associated with certain infections or respiratory conditions, it’s not always a definite sign of a serious problem. People may assume that it’s normal and will resolve on its own.
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Serious Cough
This kind of cough can disrupt your daily life, mess with your sleep, and leave you feeling exhausted. People ignore serious coughs for a few reasons. Some think it’ll go away on its own or believe it’s just a minor issue like a cold or allergies. Others worry about the cost or hassle of going to the doctor. There’s also the fear of getting a serious diagnosis that can make people hesitant to seek help.
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