Is loss of smell a symptom of coronavirus disease infection?

The newly emerged virus infection, Covid-19, is galloping millions of lives all around the world. The situation worsened day by day in every country, leading the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare Covid-19, a pandemic. 3MEDS, the best healthcare service provider India, explains the infectious coronavirus. 

Causes of coronavirus spread

Certain sources point at Wuhan wet market to be the root cause of the pandemic due to slaughtering of wild animals. But, researchers aren’t sure of what is the exact cause. Although, humans get the infection from contact with animals, which then can spread from human to human. It can The virus follows a chain pattern transmission. The R₀ value is the factor used by scientists, to know the contagious level of a virus. In case of Covid-19, the value is 2 to 2.5, which means one virus can infect two people that eventually after ten rounds of transmission cycle can infect more than 2047 sick. So, this is a serious threat to mankind.

Old recognised symptoms of Covid-19

The symptoms of the coronavirus infection are similar to common flu and upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms range from mild to severe. It takes 2 to four days after exposure for symptoms to develop. Common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness. In some cases, these common symptoms may have occurred due to common flu, get it checked and these medications are available at any medical store home delivery provision. Other symptoms include shortness of breath or difficulty while breathing, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache and chest pain. There are some less common symptoms that are reported like rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Aged people of who have existing chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, chronic, who have compromised immune system and kidney or liver disease may be at higher risk of serious illness. Few people may have pneumonia too, about a week after symptoms start.

New emerging symptoms of Covid-19

There have been reports of smell and taste disorders related to coronavirus disease infection from various countries. Now, loss of smell and taste like anosmia and dysgeusia to the list of screening symptoms of Covid-19 infection by AAO-HNS. It is an additional identifies for coronavirus disease patients, who may require testing and self- isolation. In some patients, the symptoms of loss of smell and taste is one of the initial sign of infections, while, in others, the symptoms were developed later during the illness. The Covid-19 Anosmia Reporting Tool for Clinicians was developed and provided to healthcare workers of all specialities to use confidentially for reporting the loss of smell and taste related to coronavirus infection. While, there are no scientific research study that have proved link between Covid-19 infection and anosmia. But, the viruses are very tiny particles that get into the body through roof of the nose. And, due to this they can affect the sense of smell receptors, that are delicate organs.

There are doubts on the coronavirus infection linked to brain distances. It is not yet proven completely so far. Therefore, 3MEDS, the best online pharmacy India, recommends all to stay at home and prevent oneself from the infection. 

Diagnosis of coronavirus

If you experience the symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone diagnosed of the same, consult a doctor or clinic immediately to seek medical advice. Doctor may run tests to rule out other common infections using a blood, saliva or tissue sample. Most tests use a cotton swab to retrieve a sample from the inside of the nostrils. The sample will be sent to designated laboratory for further testing where it is analysed by means of a technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique detects the genetic layout of any infectious viral stain in the tissue of the patient and displays a match with that of SARS- CoV-2 strain of coronavirus, if the two resemble each other exactly then the patient is declared coronavirus positive. Another method is antibody testing, where the blood sample of the person is obtained by prick on fingers followed by examining for antibodies that may have been synthesised to combat the coronavirus.

Treatment for coronavirus

There is no treatment or cure for an infection of coronavirus. Although, research is on process as to discovery of vaccine or drug for the same. Recently, UK scientists have recommended ‘Dexamethasone’ tablets which they claim to have helped to save lives pf people seriously ill with coronavirus.

Ending note

Everyday, new symptoms are being added to the list of coronavirus infection. This is because the virus keeps changing its feature as it undergoes mutation. So, one can expect more symptoms adding to the list and vaccine or drug invention as a prolonged process.