Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
A study of patients Covid-19 in Italy shows anosmia or loss of smell and taste is a symptom corona the most typical found. The research in May 2020 was published in the journal JAMA Network.
At the beginning of the virus that caused Covid-19, a number of symptoms in the form of cough, fever and shortness of breath were signs that should be watched out for. Although, not all of these symptoms lead to corona virus infection. Moreover, the transition season may cause the body to decline and cause similar symptoms.
Moreover, the symptoms of Covid-19 often have similarities with flu.
An Italian study found 64 percent of the 202 patients with mild symptoms had an impaired smell. Another study in Iran found that 59 out of 60 Covid-19 patients hospitalized experienced olfactory disturbances and distortions. This is often reported in mild cases or even without symptoms.
Launch Times of India, referring to a large-scale study in May 2020 regarding the findings of anosmia as the most typical symptom of corona, this virus is said to attack the sense of smell and temporarily block its vital functions.
Not only patients who have symptoms, anosmia also occurs in those who are asymptomatic or asymptomatic.
From now on, it is advisable not to underestimate anosmia. Even in cases of acute flu, symptoms of anosmia are rare. In Covid-19, anosmia can be more severe without nasal congestion.
This is consistent with a small-scale study in the United States. Arnold Monto, an epidemiologist at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Carl Philpot, an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) expert at the University of East Anglia examined the differences between flu and Covid-19.
A total of 30 people underwent taste and smell tests. They were divided into three groups, including 10 people who had been diagnosed with Covid-19, 10 people with severe flu and 10 people who were healthy.
Both found that groups with Covid-19 are prone to losing their ability to taste and smell. Meanwhile, in the group with severe flu, there were only 4 people who could not recognize smells and tastes.
However, this study has drawbacks because there is no recognized anosmia detection tool. Researchers also say that maybe anosmia is not the only symptom to watch out for but can be used as a simple early detection at home.
(the / NMA)
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