Olfaction and taste disorders in Covid-19: prevalence, long-term persistence and impact on quality of life and eating habits of health professionals

The objective was to assess the prevalence and long-term persistence of olfactory and taste disorders among health professionals in the context of COVID-19. The study was carried out with 53 professionals, who were divided into 3 groups: (1) IgA and/or IgG positive for SARS-CoV-2 with loss of smell and/or taste (n=37); (2) IgA and/or IgG positive for SARS-CoV-2 without loss of smell and/or taste (n=7); and (3) IgA and IgG negative for SARS-CoV-2 (n=9). The collection of information was made using questionnaires by telephone contact. Symptoms of malaise and loss of smell and/or taste revealed an association with COVID-19 test results. Of the 53 participants, 39 reported impaired smell and taste, 37 with a positive diagnosis, and 2 with a negative diagnosis. Of the 53 professionals, 31 had Long COVID; the longest-lasting symptoms were loss of smell and taste. The study showed that there is a high prevalence of olfactory and/or taste alterations, both in the short and the long term, in individuals who tested positive for COVID-19.