Loss of Smell and Taste Among Healthcare Personnel Screened for Coronavirus 2019
Russell R. Kempker, Jordan A. Kempker, Marcia Peters, Paulina A. Rebolledo, Kelley Carroll, Linda Toomer, Yun F. Wang, Susan M. Ray, Mary Hunter
Abstract
Among 283 symptomatic healthcare personnel (HCP) tested for SARS-CoV-2, 51 (18%) were positive. Among those 51 HCP, self reported loss of smell and taste were present in 51% and 52.9%, respectively, with either present in 60.8%. These symptoms had high specificity (93% each, 96% for either) for a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.
Topics & Concepts
TasteSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Coronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakHealth careMedicineVirologyFood scienceInternal medicineBiologyDiseaseInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakEconomic growthEconomicsOlfactory and Sensory Function StudiesLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Infection Control and Ventilation