Yan (2020)
Association of chemosensory dysfunction and Covid-19 in patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms.
10.1111/alr.22579
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/alr.22579
Symptoms
Anosmia (Present vs. Not present)
COVID-19 (any condition)
Odds ratio: 10.920 (5.080-23.530) Adjusted model

United States of America

Cross-sectional study

Primary data collection

262

A total of 59 Covid-19-positive (58% response rate) and 203 Covid-19-negative subjects with influenza-like symptoms completed the survey (15% response rate) between March 31 and April 3, 2020.

There were no differences in regard to age (grouped by decade) or rate of illness improvement between the two groups. Hospital admissions rates were low and comparable in both groups (4/58 [7%] of Covid-19-positive patients and 14/200 [7%] Covid-19-negative patients, ?2 test p=0.98), with predominantly ambulatory cases responding to the survey. The patients who were later found to be Covid-19-negative were admitted for evaluation of fever and/or dyspnea. Sex distribution in Covid-19-positive patients was balanced but skewed toward females (65%) in Covid-19-negative patients.

0


COVID-19 (any condition)

59

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed testing for Covid-19 with influenza-like symptoms


Symptoms

Anosmia

smell blindness

Not present

Present


Odds ratio

10.920 (5.080-23.530)

No

Yes

Yes

Ageusia, Anosmia, Myalgia/Arthralgia, Fatigue, Fever, Nausea, Sore throat


chemosensory dysfunction was strongly associated with Covid-19 infection and should be considered when screening symptoms.

Good

Yes