Four out of five patients who passed Covid-19 (80%) regain their lost sense of smell and taste within six months, but the remaining 20%, or one in five, continue to have minor or major problems with these two senses, according to a new US scientific study. . In addition, people up to the age of 40 are more likely to return to normal taste and smell than older patients.
The researchers, led by Ivan Reiter, a professor of otolaryngology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, published their findings in the American Journal of Otolaryngology and analyzed data on 798 people had reported olfactory and taste disturbances.
"We found a recovery rate of about 80% of the two senses over a period of six months or a little more. However, the remaining 20% are many people, given how many millions have become ill with Covid-19", Said Dr. Reiter. Given that the diagnosed cases of the pandemic are close to 237 million worldwide, more than 20 million people may not have fully regained their sense of smell and taste within six months, which reduces their quality of life, e.g. reducing the enjoyment of food and leading to loss of appetite.
cnn.gr