Millions of COVID Survivors May Be Living with Hidden Smell Loss

Millions Could Be Living with Hidden Smell Loss After COVID-19 Without Knowing A groundbreaking study led by the National Institutes of Health's RECOVER initiative has revealed that millions of people may be living with hidden, long-term smell impairments after contracting COVID-19. The research, conducted in collaboration with NYU Langone Health and supported by the Clinical Science Core at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, found that even individuals without noticeable symptoms often performed poorly on scent tests. According to the study, which used a 40-odor test to assess olfactory function, COVID-19 patients were significantly more likely to experience smell loss than those who had not contracted the virus. The researchers noted that this impairment could have far-reaching consequences for safety, mental health, and even future neurological risks. "We were surprised by the extent of the smell loss in our study," said Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist at Brown University and one of the lead authors of the research. "It's not just people who had severe COVID-19 symptoms who are affected – many others with mild or no symptoms also experienced significant impairment." The study's findings have significant implications for public health, as smell loss can signal deeper neurological issues. Experts are now calling for routine testing and exploring new treatments to address this issue. "Smell is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in our daily lives," said Dr. David Zelman, an otolaryngologist at NYU Langone Health. "We need to take smell loss seriously and provide patients with the support they need to recover their sense of smell." The study's results are particularly concerning given the widespread nature of COVID-19. With millions of people around the world having contracted the virus, it is estimated that a significant proportion may be living with hidden smell impairments. To address this issue, healthcare professionals recommend that patients who suspect they have experienced smell loss after COVID-19 consult their doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These experts can provide guidance on how to recover one's sense of smell and identify potential underlying causes of the impairment. In addition to seeking medical attention, individuals can take steps to protect their sense of smell by avoiding exposure to chemicals, wearing masks in polluted areas, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As researchers continue to study the long-term effects of COVID-19 on smell, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing olfactory health. By doing so, we can better understand the full extent of the virus's impact and develop effective strategies for recovery and prevention. The study's findings were published in the journal Science Translational Medicine and are available online. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*