You knew his big sister, “anosmia” which is characterized by the loss of the sense of smell (no longer present at Delta). The experts seem to say that it could be followed by a phase of parosmia (more present in Omicron) which is also a phenomenon of dysregulation of the sense of smell. If it could act as a new “would you rather”, this new symptom seems more and more widespread among former patients.
Federica Genovese, expert from the Monell Chemical Senses Center (scientific institute that conducts research on taste and smell in Philadelphia in the United States) specifies “When the virus attacks the cells of smell, it destroys neurons. This causes anosmia. Fortunately, other neurons replace them but reconnect badly. As a result, for some patients, a peach can smell.. . basil. In the best of cases. Because it can quickly degenerate and the smells can be really unpleasant”.
Parosmia can last from 6 months to 1 year
The phenomenon occurs more in contact with hot food because it releases many more molecules than cold food. Those effects can last between 6 months and 1 year. Rest assured, for those concerned, the scientists add that the neurones have a limited lifespan, and new neurons will reconnect properly.
“It smelled like putrid death.”
After being sick with COVID, these people are reporting an unusual new symptom. And it stinks … pic.twitter.com/6X7EvbtYK8
– Brut America (@brutamerica) January 20, 2022