While earlier dry cough, fever, and unexplained exhaustion were considered the hallmarks of the disease, loss of smell and taste has now been identified as one of the telltale symptoms of COVID-19.
As we enter the 10th month of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still people who wonder if they are an asymptomatic carrier of the deadly virus.
While earlier dry cough, fever, and unexplained exhaustion were considered the hallmarks of the disease, loss of smell and taste has now been identified as one of the telltale symptoms of COVID-19.
And now, researchers have found a way to ascertain whether or not you could be an asymptomatic patient.
A study conducted by researchers from the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute Mohali and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh on smell test, it is found that COVID-19 patients were unable to smell two aromas - coconut oil and peppermint.
The researchers believe that a smell test can be used to identify asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
Who Participated?
According to a report, the groups that the study was conducted on were 49 asymptomatic coronavirus patients and 35 individuals who were not infected with the virus.
It was later discovered that although corona-positive patients "did have a loss of smell, they may not lose the perception of smell completely".
Research Method
According to a report in The Print, the smell test was conducted using five different types of aroma, most common in a traditional Indian kitchen, like garlic, peppermint, cardamom, coconut oil, and fennel.
A follow-up experiment was also conducted to confirm the findings of the test, in which the order of aromas was changed and some water was also added.
Results
As per the study, only 4.1 percent of the participants were unable to identify any of the five aromas in the smell test, while 38.8 percent couldn’t identify at least one of the aromas and 16 percent were not able to identify two odours.
Everyone in the healthy group was able to smell the aromas used in the test.
Further research is required before conclusive evidence can be reached, but researchers believe that this smell test can be conducted at home so that the persons are alerted of the possibility of coronavirus and help them take necessary precautions.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Wondering if you are asymptomatic carrier of COVID-19? Researchers have narrowed it down to two odours")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}