Podcast Summary
BBC reports on potential link between COVID-19 and loss of smell and taste: Doctors worldwide observe link between COVID-19 and loss of smell and taste, but scientific evidence is still lacking.
The BBC is a trusted source of information and inspiration, providing stories that make us think rather than telling us what to think. Currently, there are anecdotal reports of people losing their sense of taste and smell and testing positive for COVID-19. While there is no published scientific evidence to confirm this connection, doctors worldwide are sharing their observations on international messaging boards. The urgency of the global pandemic has led to the rapid release of information, even before the intense peer-reviewed process. If loss of smell is indeed a symptom of COVID-19, it could be a valuable piece of information for doctors. However, it's important to remember that science is deliberate and methodical, and it still takes time to identify a new virus and its symptoms. So, while we wait for more concrete evidence, we can trust the BBC to keep us informed and make us think.
Doctors and researchers investigate link between COVID-19 and loss of smell/taste: Doctors and researchers investigate potential link between COVID-19 and loss of smell/taste, impacting food enjoyment and overall health. Collaboration highlights importance of scientific community during pandemic.
Doctors and researchers around the world are actively investigating the potential connection between loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (dysgeusia) as symptoms of COVID-19. Despite these symptoms not currently being listed by the World Health Organization as primary or secondary symptoms, there has been a significant increase in reports and media attention surrounding this issue. The loss of smell and taste can impact our ability to enjoy food and may even have implications for overall health. Doctors are working together to gather evidence and share research to better understand the potential link between these symptoms and COVID-19. This collaboration showcases the importance of scientific community and knowledge-sharing during a pandemic. Additionally, it highlights the evolving nature of our understanding of the virus and the ongoing efforts to identify and address all potential symptoms.
Anosmia as a potential symptom of COVID-19: Despite lack of strong evidence, loss of smell could be a potential symptom of COVID-19, and identifying asymptomatic carriers is crucial for controlling the spread of the virus.
The loss of smell, or anosmia, has been suggested as a potential symptom of COVID-19, but the evidence supporting this connection is not yet strong. The ENT UK, a group representing ear, nose, and throat specialists in the UK, made headlines last month for recommending that all adults with anosmia self-isolate to potentially help slow the spread of the virus. However, after investigating, Emily Kuang and I could not find substantial peer-reviewed evidence linking other coronaviruses to the loss of smell. Despite the lack of strong evidence, some doctors, like Rachel Kaye of Rutgers University, have reported an increase in anosmia cases among COVID-19 patients. This has led them to suspect that there may be other undiscovered symptoms of the virus. Asymptomatic individuals, who are unaware they are carrying the virus, pose a significant risk in transmitting it to others. Therefore, identifying these individuals is crucial for controlling the spread of the virus. However, it remains a challenge to locate and isolate these asymptomatic carriers.
Doctor proposes study on COVID-19 and loss of smell/taste to Academy: The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is collecting data from doctors worldwide on the link between COVID-19 and loss of smell/taste through an online reporting tool, aiming to provide valuable information to the CDC and protect patients and doctors.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is taking steps to investigate the potential link between COVID-19 and the loss of sense of smell and taste. Rachel, a doctor, recognized the need for statistical data on this issue but lacked the means to gather it. She reached out to the Academy's CEO, Dr. James Dinetti, who listened intently and supported her proposal. On March 22nd, the Academy published a statement suggesting that anosmia, hyposmia, and dysgeusia be added to the list of screening tools for COVID-19. They created an online reporting tool to collect data from doctors around the world about patients' experiences with these conditions in relation to COVID-19. The initiative aims to provide the CDC with valuable information to help protect patients and doctors from the unknowns of the disease. The Academy has already received over 150 responses in the last week and plans to submit the results to a peer-reviewed journal. This collaboration between medical organizations in different countries highlights the importance of sharing information and working together to better understand the symptoms and implications of COVID-19.
Loss of smell and taste could be a COVID-19 symptom: Research suggests that loss of smell and taste might help identify COVID-19 cases, but it's not a definitive symptom and should not be the sole basis for assuming infection
The loss of smell and taste could be an additional symptom of COVID-19, but it's not yet confirmed. Researchers have reported this symptom in patients, and it might help identify those who are infected even if they don't show other symptoms. However, it's essential not to jump to conclusions and assume you have the virus if you experience this symptom alone. The priority remains on testing and treating symptomatic cases. The rapid spread of the virus and the evolving understanding of the disease highlight the importance of ongoing research and the need for caution and accuracy in reporting.
Navigating the New Normal in Science: In the current global crisis, scientists must adapt to the new normal of rapid information dissemination while maintaining accuracy and reliability.
The current global situation has accelerated the reliance on scientific information, even if it hasn't gone through the traditional long-peer reviewed process. The urgency to find solutions has led researchers and scientists to consider anecdotal evidence, as waiting for the standard scientific process could mean lost time and potential lives. Maddy, a researcher, shared her experience of spending years trying to get published in science only to be caught off guard by the rapid pace of new studies and information. This is a challenging time for the scientific community, and they must adapt to the new normal while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information they disseminate. The podcast "Shortwave from NPR" covers this topic, and listeners are encouraged to stay updated. The episode was produced by Rebecca Ramirez, edited by Viet Lai, fact-checked by Emily Vaughn, and sound engineered by Josephine, Nia, and I. Support for the podcast comes from Easycater and BlackRock's podcast, The Bid.
