This cross-sectional study found that chemosensory dysfunction was strongly associated with Covid-19 infection, and that most recover chemosensory function within weeks.

This was a single-institution, cross-sectional study that examined how changes in smell and taste were present in 1480 adults who underwent testing for Covid-19. The study captured 59 of 102 (58%) positive and 203 of 1378 (15%) negative patients.

Smell and taste loss occured in 68% and 71% of Covid-19-positive patients, respectively, compared to 16% and 17% of Covid-19-negative patients. Smell and taste changes were significantly associated with Covid-19-positivity. Interestingly, sore throat was associated with Covid-19-negativity.

Of those who reported loss of smell, 74% of them had this symptom resolve when their other symptoms did.