Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1460433
74 CMO / CARE DELIVERY Why do some people lose smell, taste from COVID-19? 1 explanation By Gabrielle Masson A mechanism has been identified that may explain why some people with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell, according to research published Feb. 1 in Cell. Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medi- cine and Columbia University, both based in New York City, explored the molecular consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in golden hamsters and olfactory tissue taken from 23 human autopsies. They found that the virus indirectly decreases action of olfactory receptors, which detect the molecules associated with odors. According to the study authors, COVID-19 appears to cause longer-lasting disruption in chromosomal regu- lation of gene expression that could prevent the restoration of olfactory receptor transcription even after the virus is cleared. The study may also shed light on other neuro- logical lingering effects of COVID-19 such as "brain fog," headaches and depression. "Our findings provide the first mechanistic ex- planation of smell loss in COVID-19 and how this may underlie long COVID-19 biology," said co-corresponding author Benjamin tenOever, PhD, professor at NYU Langone Health in New York City. "The work, in addition to another study from the tenOever group, also suggests how the pandemic virus, which infects less than 1 per- cent of cells in the human body, can cause such severe damage in so many organs." In most cases, loss of smell lasts only a few weeks, but for more than 12 percent of people with COVID-19, olfactory dysfunction persists in the form of ongoing reduction in the ability to smell or changes in how smells are perceived. "The realization that the sense of smell relies on 'fragile' genomic interactions between chromo- somes has important implications," Dr. tenOever said. "If olfactory gene expression ceases every time the immune system responds in certain ways that disrupts inter-chromosomal contacts, then the lost sense of smell may act as the 'canary in the coal mine,' providing early signals that the COVID-19 virus is damaging brain tissue before other symptoms present, and suggesting new ways to treat it." n Most common symptoms of 3 coronavirus variants By Gabrielle Masson P eople with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, with some symptoms appearing more oen for different variants of the virus. Below, Becker's has compiled the following lists of frequently reported symptoms for three of the coronavirus variants based on emerging research. e lists are not exhaustive. Frequently reported omicron symptoms (BA.1): Sore throat Headache Runny nose Congestion Cough Lower back pain Fatigue *Unvaccinated individuals appear to experience symptoms similar to those seen early in the pandemic. *Among patients with severe omicron cases, the main complaint has been fever and respiratory symptoms that require oxygen. Frequently reported delta symptoms (B.1.617.2): Sore throat Headache Runny nose Fever Diarrhea/GI problems Frequently reported alpha symptoms (B.1.1.7): New loss of taste or smell Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea n