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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-06-2021 | COVID-19 | Short Communication

Olfactory and taste disorders in healthcare workers with COVID-19 infection

Authors: Ithzel Maria Villarreal, Marta Morato, Mar Martínez-RuizCoello, Andrés Navarro, Raimon Garcia-Chillerón, Álvaro Ruiz, Isabella Vacallanos de Almeida, Luis Mazón, Guillermo Plaza

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 6/2021

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.

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Title: Olfactory and taste disorders in healthcare workers with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Ithzel Maria Villarreal
Marta Morato
Mar Martínez-RuizCoello
Andrés Navarro
Raimon Garcia-Chillerón
Álvaro Ruiz
Isabella Vacallanos de Almeida
Luis Mazón
Guillermo Plaza
Publication date: 01-06-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: COVID-19
Taste Disorder
Anosmia
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06237-8

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Olfactory and taste disorders in healthcare workers with COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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