Scientists are always attempting to unravel mysteries and have been since the beginning of time. As soon as scholastic experts thought they had a handle on exposing the majority of the world’s mysteries, the newest one showed up in the form of COVID-19, the coronavirus that put the entire globe on hold in 2020.

The pandemic and resulting dependency on science turned the global population’s focus to researchers while they tried to make sense of the virus, how it worked, what the symptoms were, and, most importantly how to treat it. One of the most baffling symptoms was that of the loss of smell that came with many patients’ diagnosis, but some scientists are now claiming that they have solved the mystery.

Understanding the Symptoms of COVID

Although every person may have a unique reaction to the virus, scientists are confident enough in the most typical symptoms that they are able to narrow them down into a list. However, the severity of the symptoms ranges from mild to severe, and, in some cases, even fatal.

For most people, the symptoms don’t begin to manifest for at least 48 hours after exposure, and can remain asymptomatic but infected for up to two weeks. The most common symptoms have included:

●      Fever and/or chills

●      Shortness of breath

●      Difficulty breathing

●      Chronic cough

●      Headaches

●      Excessive fatigue

●      Aches and pains in the muscles and throughout the body

●      Sore throat

●      Congestion

●      Runny nose

●      Nausea and/or vomiting

●      Diarrhea

Severe signs of an emergency situation include trouble breathing alongside a persistent pain in the chest or feeling of pressure. Patients in severe and dangerous levels of COVID infection may be confused or unable to stay awake or alert. Their lips or face may have a blue tinge from lack of oxygen.

One of the newest, and most confusing, symptoms, though, is the loss of smell and taste reported in some infected patients.

Why Scientists and the General Population are Confused

The COVID-19 virus is brand new and responds very differently from the other bacteria and viruses we are already familiar with. Every day, scientists are able to understand the virus more, and now we know that it attacks the nervous system, but why, and the strange side effects from it, are confusing.

Another reason for the general confusion among laypersons is the mixed information that is disseminated. Because of the ease of spreading information, including misinformation, it’s often difficult to know what to believe.

Even researchers have to wade through massive amounts of data to determine what is factual and what is exaggerated. People showing up at the hospital with flu-like symptoms aren’t always testing positive for the virus, but until the results come back, they’re treated as though they are. In other cases, some positive and negative results were flawed. It makes it difficult to know what to trust.

One thing is certain, though. In almost 80% of patients diagnosed with the coronavirus, the symptom of anosmia, or temporary loss of smell, is common.

The Answers to the Loss of Smell

This mystery has befuddled doctors and researchers since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Anosmia is so common that it’s often used as the fastest way to determine if a patient is infected. In most cases, the patient is able to recover their olfactory senses within a week or so, but in some cases, sensory disruption occurs for a long period, and, occasionally even permanently.

For those who experience long-term loss of smell and sensory disorder, it’s not uncommon to find out that when they do get it back, it’s not the same as it was. They may notice that their favorite foods are no longer enjoyable, their own body scents are different, and what once was an enjoyable fragrance is now repulsive.

Researchers now attribute this confusing side effect to a condition called parosmia, in which the olfactory sensory neurons send mixed signals to the brain. These nerve cells exist in the nasal cavity and are used to determine odors and send them to the brain, where the smells are decoded and then assigned a value.

Currently, it’s believed that this mix-up can correct itself in time, which is good news for those who enjoyed a daily dose of their favorite foods and drinks.

Share Your Research With Experts on Impactio

When it comes to learning what data to trust and what to ignore, it’s essential to find those trusted sources and to get your research out along those avenues. Social media is one way to increase your academic research visibility, but it’s not always the most reputable. However, you can use Impactio as a networking site where it’s possible to reach experts like yourself and obtain valid information in real time.

Impactio is an all-in-one software solution designed for researchers as a way to create and publish their research, but it does even more! With the academic profile component, you are connected to other users around the globe. Link your social media and other professional platforms, use the Impactio network to find experts that you’d like to connect with, and efficiently create and publish your journals all at your fingertips!