Erschienen in:
28.07.2020 | COVID-19 | Short Communication
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Olfactory and taste disorders in healthcare workers with COVID-19 infection
verfasst von:
Ithzel Maria Villarreal, Marta Morato, Mar Martínez-RuizCoello, Andrés Navarro, Raimon Garcia-Chillerón, Álvaro Ruiz, Isabella Vacallanos de Almeida, Luis Mazón, Guillermo Plaza
Erschienen in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
|
Ausgabe 6/2021
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Abstract
Purpose
Severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19 has spread globally for the last few months. Healthcare workers (HCW) are overexposed and infection rates are higher than in the rest of the population. Strict clinical assessment is paramount to detect suspicious cases. In this context, olfactory or taste dysfunction (OTD) appears as an early and frequent symptom. Evaluating its presence in early stages plays an important role nowadays.
Methods
We performed a descriptive observational single-center study among 256 HCW at Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada affected by COVID-19 and confirmed using RT-PCR. A telephonic interview was performed, after obtaining oral informed consent.
Results
OTD was present in up to 70% of the cases as an early symptom, including mild-to-severe cases. The extent of these sensory deficits lasted an average of 11 days. In 26% of the patients, these sensory alterations persisted for over a month.
Conclusion
OTD is reported as an early symptom among HCW with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Its strong association with test positivity is useful in the management of the infection and should be enough to indicate preventive isolation. We consider that OTD needs to be included in clinical screening questionnaires in HCW.