Why Does COVID Cause Loss of Taste and Smell?
Losing taste and smell after contracting COVID-19 is a common symptom of the virus. While the mechanism behind this is not yet fully understood, scientists believe that COVID-19 seems to affect cells that support both smell and taste. This can result in a complete loss of these senses or a temporary decrease in the ability to taste or smell.For some people, the loss of these senses can be one of the first signs that they have contracted COVID-19. For others, it may not appear until later on in the illness. Loss of smell and taste is now considered a key symptom of COVID-19, along with other symptoms like fever and dry cough.