Introduction:
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is
associated with high mortality and an exponential human-to-human
transmission rate. Therefore identifying, testing and isolating possible
cases is vital to reducing the disease burden.
Anosmia is often reported with several upper respiratory tract
infections (URTI) but unlike these, SARS-COV2 is not associated with
nasal blockage and discharge.1 Vaira et al suggested
that chemoreceptor dysfunction occurred in >19% of their
320 COVID-19 cases and that this may be an early symptom or the only
manifestation in otherwise asymptomatic patients.2However, a European multicentre study of 417 mild-moderate COVID-19
patients showed >85% of patients had olfactory or taste
disorders (OTD).3 Following reports from abroad and
anecdotal evidence in the UK, ENT UK recommended that anosmia be
recognised as a marker of COVID-19 and as such, patients with this
symptom be treated as suspected cases and should self-isolate.4,5
Based on Public Health England guidance, our hospital uses 3 cardinal
symptoms to test and isolate patients and staff. These are a new dry
cough, shortness of breath and fever >37.5C. The purpose
of this study was to identify the prevalence of potential symptoms of
COVID-19, including OTDs in a UK-based population with confirmed
infection. A better understanding could help identify potential cases
and determine whether the ENT UK recommendation should be adopted
locally, with a significant impact on patient triage and the clinical
workforce.