Reasons why people infected with Covid-19 lose their sense of smell

Six months after infectionCovid-19, as many as 1.6 million Americans still cannot smell or have a change in their sense of smell.

The exact cause is still unknown, but scientists believe a genetic location near two olfactory genes is linked to the loss of smell caused by Covid-19.

This genetic factor increases the likelihood of Covid-19 patients losing their sense of smell by up to 11%.

When comparing the genetic differences between people with anosmia and those who were unaffected, the team found a region of the genome associated with this split, located near two genes, UGT2A1 and UGT2A2. Both genes are present in the tissues in the nose that are involved in smell and play a role in metabolizing odorants.

Illustration: Thejournal

The findings could help scientists find treatments. Previous research has assessed sensory loss due to a failure to protect the sensory cells of the nose and tongue from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Loss of smell and taste have been a hallmark of the Covid-19 pandemic, and early data suggests the Omicron variant is less likely to cause this.

In a survey of nearly 70,000 people who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 68% said they had symptoms of loss of smell or taste.

Women were 11% more likely to have the condition than men. Adults aged 26 to 35 made up 73% of this group. The authors also found that people of East Asian or African American descent were less likely to have lost their sense of smell or taste.

Some statistics show that 4 out of 5 Covid-19 patients will regain their sense of smell and taste. Loss of smell/taste can affect relationships, physical and mental health.