Loss of Taste and Smell as Distinguishing Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Patrick Dawson, Elizabeth M. Rabold, Rebecca L. Laws, Erin E. Conners, Radhika Gharpure, Sherry Yin, Sean Buono, Trivikram Dasu, Sanjib Bhattacharyya, Ryan P. Westergaard, Ian W. Pray, Dongni Ye, Scott A. Nabity, Jacqueline E. Tate, Hannah L. Kirking
Abstract
In a household study, loss of taste and/or smell was the fourth most reported symptom (26/42 [62%]) among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case patients and had the highest positive predictive value (83% [95% confidence interval [CI], 55%-95%) among household contacts. Olfactory and taste dysfunctions should be considered for COVID-19 case identification and testing prioritization.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineTasteCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)CoronavirusConfidence intervalSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakPredictive valueAnosmiaDiseasePrioritizationOlfactionHyposmiaInternal medicineFood scienceVirologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakBiologyEconomicsManagement scienceChemistryNeuroscienceOlfactory and Sensory Function StudiesAdvanced Chemical Sensor TechnologiesDental Research and COVID-19