A sense that is lost of or taste could be a hallmark sign of COVID-19, potentially without the current presence of other common symptoms, like a cough or fever.
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In a brand new study posted in the journal PLOS Medicine, researchers surveyed 590 people who experienced a loss of taste or smell in the previous month. Of that group, they gave 567 tests that are COVID-19, nearly 78% tested good for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that triggers COVID-19.
Of the people who tested positive for antibodies, nearly 40% did not cough or fever in their illness. However, the researchers discovered that individuals who experienced just a loss of smell had been nearly three times more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than people who had just a loss in taste. Those who possessed a loss of smell and taste had been four times more likely to have the antibodies.