MY ANOSMATIC LIFE

Anosmia has been a major topic in the press. But not for a good reason. You may or may not know that losing your sense of smell and taste could be a symptom of coronavirus. This pandemic is bringing a massive amount of attention to anosmia. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists and organizations have been sounding alarms about anosmia being a significant coronavirus clue. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery even established a COVID-19 anosmia reporting tool for health providers to submit data. Last month, the President of the American Rhinologic Society wrote a press release to inform the community on their site. There’s a push to include anosmia as a recognized symptom of COVID-19. Despite the efforts and information, the World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to list anosmia as a possible symptom. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally listed “new loss of taste or smell” as a symptom.

Google alerts for “anosmia” like the ones below have been hitting my inbox every single day about how losing your sense of smell and taste could be a sign of coronavirus.

To be honest, I initially felt all these articles were the last things a hypochondriac anosmic with anxiety needed to read about since I am unable to smell and experience other  “known” symptoms due to my asthma and allergies. But I immediately realized that these news alerts have nothing to do with my hypochondria and everything to do with alerting folks to pay attention and look out for this symptom.

The  British Rhinological Society did a study last month that revealed that out of 579 Covid symptom tracker app users, 59% reported they lost their sense of smell or taste, a higher percentage than reports of a fever or any other symptoms. They published a letter about the loss of sense of smell being a marker of COVID-19 infection.  The U.S. Army Garrison Daegu in South Korea has been performing random smell tests to gain entry on base.

There’s even a website called SmellTracker to track your sense of smell (measure your smell perception) during COVID-19 and beyond.

The five-minute test taps common household goods like toothpaste and vinegar to detect early signs of COVID-19. The tool has identified potential coronavirus cases that were later confirmed, the researchers report. CNET

It’s scary reading about something I have been experiencing for years happening to people infected by COVID-19 all around the world…more interesting reading coronavirus survivor stories like Utah player Rudy Gobert who said that loss of smell was the most noticeable symptom to him. People who are otherwise asymptomatic are experiencing anosmia. It’s not uncommon and is all over the internet. Finally, the CDC has listed it. WHO hasn’t confirmed anosmia as a symptom, but they aren’t ruling it out. What’s the hold-up? Seriously, how many more reports do they need for confirmation?

Clearly, anosmia is not only a possible symptom of coronavirus but a key to slowing transmission and saving lives. There needs to be more awareness to warn folks to pay more attention and understand the symptoms to help stop COVID-19 from spreading because it’s absolutely out of control.

Inadequate leadership is failing us every day with delays and inaction. We have to protect ourselves and others. During this pandemic, it’s extremely important to be proactive, precautious, and take preventative action. If you or anyone you know experience(s) a loss of smell and/or taste, please consider self-isolation and get tested for COVID-19, if possible. Stay safe!

Please take care of your mind and body, stay home, check on your family and friends, pray for each other, and stay informed. Practice the big C’s: cleanliness (wash/sanitize those hands!), common sense, and communication. Stay safe!