COVID-19 Linked to Persistent Loss of Smell in High Percentage of Infected Individuals

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health's RECOVER initiative and NYU Langone Health has found that 80% of COVID-19 patients who reported a change in their smelling ability after infection earn low scores on a clinical scent-detection test taken about two years later. Furthermore, 66% of infected individuals who did not notice any smelling issues scored abnormally low on the evaluation, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to consider testing for loss of smell as a routine part of post-COVID care.

Key Takeaways:

  • A new study using an objective 40-odor test found that 80% of COVID-19 patients who reported a change in their smelling ability after infection scored low on a clinical scent-detection test taken about two years later.
  • 66% of infected individuals who did not notice any smelling issues scored abnormally low on the evaluation, indicating a significant risk of impaired olfactory function.
  • The study, involving 3,535 participants, used the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), which is considered the gold standard for evaluating olfactory function.
  • Research suggests that hyposmia, or reduced ability to smell, is particularly concerning because it can impact mental and physical wellbeing, and may even be linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for healthcare providers, who may need to consider testing for loss of smell as a routine part of post-COVID care.

Statistics:

  • 80% of COVID-19 patients who reported a change in their smelling ability after infection scored low on a clinical scent-detection test taken about two years later.
  • 66% of infected individuals who did not notice any smelling issues scored abnormally low on the evaluation.
  • 60% of uninfected individuals who did not report olfactory problems also tested poorly during the clinical evaluation.
  • The study involved 3,535 participants from across the country, with a focus on long-term health effects of COVID-19.
  • The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) was used to evaluate olfactory function, earning a total score of 1-40.

Sources:

  • National Institutes of Health's RECOVER initiative
  • NYU Langone Health
  • University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)
  • JAMA Network Open publication
  • RECOVER adult study