What’s going on?
Researchers at the University of Barcelona said the new symptom — deemed a “strange sensation in the nose” — could be an early signal that someone is infected with the deadly virus. The researchers published their findings in medRxiv.
- “The presence of these nasal symptoms, and their early occurrence, could potentially facilitate early diagnosis of COVID-19 and initial social distancing efforts,” said lead researcher Jordi Navarra.
What happened in the study?
Researchers reviewed 35 cases of COVID-19, speaking with patients about their symptoms.
- The results showed that 68% of patients had one nasal symptom, including dryness and having a “strange” nasal sensation.
- 52% of patients said they had the constant sensation. Only 3% said the same in the control group.
“The clinical group also experienced ‘a strange sensation in the nose’ and having excessive nasal dryness significantly more often than the control group,” the researchers said.
Loss of taste and smell
For months, the loss of taste and smell have been two symptoms of the novel coronavirus that have been widely known. Back in March, researchers first said losing your sense of smell and taste could be a symptom of the coronavirus, according to The New York Times.
Claire Hopkins, president of the British Rhinological Society, told The New York Times losing those senses was a major sign of infection.
- Hopkins said: “We really want to raise awareness that this is a sign of infection and that anyone who develops loss of sense of smell should self-isolate. It could contribute to slowing transmission and save lives.”
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