New research published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology revealed that it was more difficult for individuals over 40 to recover after having COVID and losing their smell or taste. The scientists discussed almost 800 individuals who tested the effects in a smell & taste losses survey that identified their symptoms for 14 days, one months, three months, and half a year after registration. The study showed that individuals less than 40 had a better sense of recovered smell than those above that age.
“We did see about an 80 percent recovery rate in a six-month period or longer. However, 20 percent is still a lot of people, given the millions that have been afflicted with COVID-19,” declared co-author Evan Reiter, who is the medical director of the Smell and Taste Disorders Center at Virginia Commonwealth University.
However, this might not just be because the virus is affecting older adults differently. People over the age of 40 were also more likely to experience a change in their sense of smell and taste before the pandemic. According to The National Institute of Health (NIH), nearly one in four U.S. adults over the age of 40 typically report some alteration in their sense of smell and taste.
The Center for Infectious Disease Research has discovered something new about the novel coronavirus. A study in the journal “The Lancet” has shown that some of those who are infected by the novel coronavirus develop long-lasting symptoms including fever, coughing, diarrhea, and fatigue.
“A longitudinal web-based nationwide survey of adults with COVID-19 associated smell and taste loss was launched April 10, 2020. After completing an initial entry survey, participants received detailed follow-up questionnaires 14 days, and 1, 3 and 6 months later. As of June 25, 2021, 798 participants met study inclusion criteria and completed 6-month questionnaires. Of demographic characteristics only age <40 years was positively associated with smell recovery (p < .003). Of symptoms, difficulty breathing was negatively associated with smell recovery (p < .004), and nasal congestion positively associated with smell recovery (p < .03).” reads the study.
