The loss of taste and smell has been a puzzling symptom of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, but new research suggests that genetics might play a role. After being fully vaccinated and receiving a booster, I contracted COVID-19 during the Christmas season. Fortunately, my symptoms were mild, mainly consisting of a few sniffles and a scratchy throat (remember to get vaccinated if you haven’t already!). However, I found it strange that I completely lost my sensitivity to spicy foods — a symptom that lingered for weeks even after I recovered and tested negative.
Researchers have long sought to understand why some individuals experience this peculiar symptom. A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified a potential genetic risk factor linked to the loss of smell following COVID-19 infection. This discovery provides insight into why this symptom occurs and may pave the way for identifying treatments that could help individuals regain their senses post-recovery.
The loss of taste and smell can persist in what medical professionals refer to as “long haul” COVID cases. In the U.S. alone, approximately 1.6 million people continue to experience altered taste and smell six months after their infection. While scientists have struggled to determine the reason behind this prolonged symptom, the new study has identified a genetic locus located near the olfactory genes that may increase the likelihood of losing the sense of smell due to COVID by as much as 11 percent.
“This helps answer the question of ‘why me’ regarding taste and smell loss with COVID-19,” noted researcher Jenna Blake, who studies individual differences in taste and smell loss related to COVID. “Some people lose these senses and some do not. Genetics may partly explain this variability.” According to the study, nearly 68 percent of COVID-19 patients report some loss of taste or smell. This research is crucial in understanding the underlying reasons for this symptom, and it may also represent a significant step toward developing effective treatments.
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Further Exploration
For further exploration, you might want to look up:
- How COVID-19 Affects Your Taste
- Understanding Long COVID Symptoms
- Genetics and COVID-19
- Taste and Smell Loss Post-COVID
- Research on COVID-19 Symptoms
In conclusion, emerging research suggests a genetic component may help explain why some individuals lose their sense of taste and smell during COVID-19. This discovery could ultimately lead to targeted treatments for those affected.