Liz Darke shares her story about experiencing smell and taste distortions due to having COVID-19. Fifth Sense’s Director of Medical and Research Affairs, Professor Carl Philpott speaks to the Independent to explain why these distortions occur and the impact they have. To read the article, please click here

Prof Carl Philpott (Norwich Medical School) has been collaborating with colleagues internationally about the impact of COVID-19 on smell and taste.

In his 2020 London Lecture, Prof Philpott explained how the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 is much more profound than that of a cold or flu, and may affect true taste as well. Prof Philpott has been instrumental in highlighting that many people may experience smell loss in isolation or before other symptoms of COVID-19.

The British Rhinological Society (BRS)  and ENTUK have provided guidelines for treatments for people who have been affected by smell loss due to Covid-19. The panel ranked and classified suggested investigations and treatment options.

The aim of the guidance is to provide evidence based recommendations  for the most appropriate management of patients with Covid-19 related loss of smell.

Click here to read the full article.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection/Covid-19 and Anosmia – Prevalence Study, Molecular Analysis and Clinical Trial

Researchers at University College London, led by Professor Valerie J. Lund, CBE and Mr Matt Lechner, and in close collaboration with Professor Carl Philpott from the University of East Anglia, have begun a multi-centre clinical trial investigating the loss of the sense of smell in COVID-19 patients.

The study aims to determine the prevalence of this symptom in those who have experienced the COVID-19 infection, the extent of smell loss and related smell and taste dysfunction, as well as the impact of the symptom on daily life. The study also consists of a randomised controlled trial for eligible participants, which is investigating the potential for smell training as treatment.

Ultimately, the researchers hope to utilise this study to gain a better understanding of the impact of smell loss in COVID-19 patients and inform the way in which we manage this in the future.

This study is open to all adults, who have been infected with COVID-19, have experienced a loss of sense of smell and have not previously undertaken smell training of any kind. The study has been approved by an NHS HRA Research Ethics Committee (IRAS No. 283758). Participation is completely voluntary.

If you interested in participating, please contact Miss Jacklyn Liu: regmjwj@ucl.ac.uk

This News Section Holds a Repository of Information About Smell/Taste Loss and Covid-19.

BREAKING NEWS……….

19th August 2020: Coronavirus smell loss ‘different from cold and flu’

The loss of smell that can accompany coronavirus is unique and different from that experienced by someone with a bad cold or flu, say European researchers who have studied the experiences of patients. To read the full article please click here.

18th August 2020: COVID-19 smell loss “much more profound” than common cold and flu

Loss of smell associated with COVID-19 infection is “much more profound” when compared with a bad cold or flu, scientists have found. To read the full article please click here.

5th August 2020: Many COVID-19 patients lost their sense of smell. Will they get it back? 

While scientists work to unravel the basic biology of the nose, some patients are positive effects from smell training. To read the full article please click here.

29th July 2020: Coronavirus scientists discover why COVID-19 causes loss of smell

The symptom is one of the earliest indicators that a person had COVID-19, but the reasons for it have been unclear – until now. Click here to read the full article.

28th July 2020: Study helps explain how COVID -19 causes anosmia 

An international group of researchers led by a team from Harvard have identified that anosmia occurs not through infection of olfactory sensory neurons but of their associated, supportive cells. To read more click here.

22th July 2020: Researchers win grant to study why COVID-19 patients lose their sense of smell

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have won a grant to study why many infected with Covid-19 lose their sense of smell. Click here to read more.

20th July 2020: Up the nose, into the brain?

Doctor examines link between COVID-19 smell loss and depression. Click here for the full article.

​​​​14th July 2020: COVID – 19: Linking loss of smell, depression and anxiety

A recent study concludes that the loss of smell associated with COVID -19 may have link to an increased risk of depressed mood and anxiety. Click here to read the full article

8th July 2020: Smell Loss: A Neuroprotective Mechanism Against Covid-19

The ability of olfactory neurons to self-renew may be an evolutionary adaptation to environmental threats. Click here to read the article.

6th July 2020: Loss of smell, taste can linger longer then other COVID-19 symptoms: study 

The loss of the sense of smell and/or taste experienced by many COVID-19 patients can linger even after all other symptoms have disappeared, a new study finds. Click here for the report.

3rd July 2020: Coronavirus: Sense of smell and taste ‘improve for most’

Almost 90% of people who lost their sense of smell or taste while infected with Covid-19 improved or recovered within a month, a study has found. Please click here to read the full article.

29th June 2020: Coronavirus studies strengthen link between loss of smell or taste and Covid-19

A study of patients hit by the recent Covid-19 outbreak in Beijing has highlighted how it affected their sense of taste and smell.Among the 256 Covid-19 cases in the latest outbreak that started on June 11 in Beijing, 33 people, or 13 per cent, reported that they lost their sense of smell. Click here to read the full article.

24th June 2020: Participate in the GCCR studies!

We continue to be part of and support the research work of this worldwide collaborative. Click on the link to take part https://gcchemosensr.org/surveys/en/

22nd June 2020: Loss of smell, taste symptoms can indicate potential COVID-19 patients

Partial or complete loss of the sense of smell and taste could be used for identifying potential COVID-19 patients, according to a study published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. To read the full article please click here.

19th June 2020: Coronavirus: scientists uncover why some people lose their sense of smell

Simon Gane and Jane Parker discuss further findings about Covid-19 and the possible reasons for the virus’s affecting smell. To read the full article please click here.

18th June 2020: Loss of taste, smell may be a long-term effect of Covid-19. 

Elizabeth Kim discusses the possible long-term effects that Covid-19 can have on smell and taste. To read the full article please click here.

17th June 2020: How is Covid-19 Different From Other Respiratory Diseases? 

Researchers are finding that the time it takes to recover a sense of smell following coronavirus varies. Prevention.com explores these variations here. 

16th June 2020: Prince Charles’s sense of smell and taste still not back.

Prince Charles has still not fully regained his sense of smell and taste after having coronavirus in March, he revealed on a visit to NHS staff. Click here for my information.

13th June 2020: Why Covid-19 makes people lose their sense of smell.

We’re beginning to understand the mechanism behind this relatively common symptom by Leslie Kay. Click here to read the full article.

4th June 2020: How is Covid-19 Different From Other Respiratory Diseases? 

Valentina Parma (Temple University) and Prof. John E Hayes (Pennsylvania State University) and members of the GCCR, discuss how Covid-19 is affecting smell and taste differently to other infections.  Read more here

1st June 2020: Coronavirus Patients Lose Senses of Taste, Smell—and Haven’t Gotten Them Back

Preetika Rana writes about her emotional journey and how she feels about pizza that tastes of cardboard here

28th May 2020: Rediscovering Taste Post Covid-19 

Aside from its toll on human life, the pandemic has also stolen little things, like the ability to smell and taste. How a neurologist found a deeper relationship with wine. Read more here

22nd May 2020: Smell and Taste Conversations – Monell Centre for the Chemical Senses, Philedelphia USA

Panel discussions and presentations on Changing the Conversation & Advancing Smell Loss Research to watch click here 

Dr. Federica Genovese of the Monell Center in Philadelphia discusses recent literature regarding COVID-19 and the loss of the senses of smell and taste. To watch click here

20th May 2020: More than just smell – COVID-19 is associated with severe
impairment of smell, taste, and chemesthesis. 

The GCCR publishes the results from its first survey GCCR 001 here

18th May 2020 : UK Accepts and Recognises Smell Loss as an Official Symptom of Covid-19

A joint statement from the four Chief Medical Officers in the UK said:

‘From today, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia.  ‘Anosmia is the loss or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.  We have been closely monitoring the emerging data and evidence on COVID-19 and after thorough consideration, we are now confident enough to recommend this new measure.  The individual’s household should also self-isolate for 14 days as per the current guidelines and the individual should stay at home for seven days, or longer if they still have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste.’

Joint ENT UK and BRS Statement: There is new evidence for the loss of smell as a symptom of COVID-19 infection. Full details can be read here:

All major media outlets are running reports on this important breaking news click on the links to read:

Guardian 18th May 2020 

BBC 18th May 2020

The Independent 18th May 2020

Reuters 18th May 2020

The Conversation 18th May 2020

“What to do when those around you are losing their sense of smell and taste.”  Prof. Philpott, explains in easy to understand terms, the science behind the smell/taste loss associated with Covid-19 and explores the research and recovery rates.  Watch here.

May 2020 : Is Smell Loss Really a Symptom of Covid-19 – The Guardian Science Weekly Podcast talks to Prof. Carl Philpott, Director of Research and Medical Affairs Fifth Sense

As the coronavirus pandemic swept around the globe, anecdotal reports began to emerge about a strange symptom: people were losing their sense of taste and smell. To find out whether this effect is really down to Sars-CoV-2, and if so, why  The Guardian Science Weekly spoke to Fifth Sense Director of Research and Medical Affairs Prof. Carl Philpott. Listen here.

18th May 2020:  The Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) Release YouTube Video Update Here

11th May 2020 : How Often do COVID-19 Patients Lose Their Sense of Smell? Two Studies Are Tracking Down the Data

Discover Magazine explores how researchers are recruiting participants from around the globe to self-monitor their senses which could help get to the root of why coronavirus patients experience anosmia. Read more.

7th May 2020 : Investigators Ramp Up Research on Loss of Smell as Early Symptom of Covid-19

Basic and clinical research is underway to try to assess the association between anosmia and COVID-19. Here’s what research has shown so far.  Read more…

6th May 2020 : Sniffing Out an Unusually Common Phenomenon in COVID-19 Patients

Of all the COVID-19 symptoms Benjamin Abella, MD, MPhil, sees in the emergency room, the loss of smell or taste is the strangest — but not because it’s caused by the virus. Other viruses are known to have the same effect. Rather, it’s because so many patients experience it and in different ways….Read more…

6th May 2020 : Coronavirus: Why Are Loss Of Smell and Taste Reportedly Symptoms Of Covid-19?

14th April 2020: Your nose may know more when it comes to Covid-19.

Physicians are increasingly recognizing the importance of the nasal cavity in determining the physiology of COVID-19, explains Ahmad Sedaghat, an associate professor in the UC College of Medicine’s Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and an UC Health physician specializing in diseases of the nose and sinuses. Click here to read on.

For further reading on the clinical management of and research available into COVID-19 to date can be found here

Statement from ENT UK and BRS – Friday 20th March 2020

Fifth Sense were sent the following statement by Prof Claire Hopkins, President of the British Rhinological Society, and Prof Nirmal Kumar, President of ENT UK on Friday 20th March, which has also been sent to Public Health England.

There is new evidence for the loss of smell as a symptom of COVID-19 infection. We are circulating the following intelligence to Public Health England with regards to anosmia….details can be read below:

Post-viral anosmia is one of the leading causes of loss of sense of smell in adults…… Viruses that give rise to the common cold are well known to cause post-infectious loss, and over 200 different viruses are known to cause upper respiratory tract infections……. It is therefore perhaps no surprise that the novel COVID-19 virus would also cause anosmia in infected patients.

There is already good evidence from South Korea, China and Italy that significant numbers of patients with proven COVID-19 infection have developed anosmia/hyposmia. In Germany it is reported that more than 2 in 3 confirmed cases have anosmia. In South Korea, where testing has been more widespread, 30% of patients testing positive have had anosmia as their major presenting symptom in otherwise mild cases.

In addition, there have been a rapidly growing number of reports of a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with anosmia in the absence of other symptoms – this has been widely shared on medical discussion boards by surgeons from all regions managing a high incidence of cases. Iran has reported a sudden increase in cases of isolated anosmia, and many colleagues from the US, France and Northern Italy have the same experience. I have personally seen four patients this week, all under 40, and otherwise asymptomatic except for the recent onset of anosmia – I usually see roughly no more than one a month. I think these patients may be some of the hitherto hidden carriers that have facilitated the rapid spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, these patients do not meet current criteria for testing or self-isolation.

While there is a chance the apparent increase in incidence could merely reflect the attention COVID-19 has attracted in the media, and that such cases may be caused by typical rhinovirus and coronavirus strains, it could potentially be used as a screening tool to help identify otherwise asymptomatic patients, who could then be better instructed on self-isolation.

Given the potential for COVID-19 to present with anosmia, and the reports that corticosteroid use may increase the severity of infection, we would advise against use of oral steroids in the treatment of new onset anosmia during the pandemic, particularly if it is unrelated to head trauma or nasal pathology (such as nasal polyps).

Yours sincerely,

Prof Claire Hopkins, Prof Nirmal Kumar