A COVID infection can result in a variety of short-term and long-term symptoms, most of which are troubling and interfere with daily life. Researchers have found that the troubling sign of loss of taste and smell may specify that your body has strong immunity.
According to the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, Covid patients who experience loss of taste and smell were twice as likely to have antibodies long after the infection.
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About the Study
In the first month of the pandemic, 306 adults from northern Manhattan, New York City, had covid infections. Around two third of people lose taste and smell when they are infected. After two weeks of infection, the study participants were invited for an antibody blood test.
Data on Covid Antibody Levels
Covid antibody levels decrease over time. As a result, some infected with the virus eventually test negative for the virus-fighting protein.
Out of the 306 participants, 266 participants’ results were available from which 176 tested positive for Covid-fighting antibodies. On the other hand, 90 tested negative.
Findings Explained
The study explained that 71 percent of people who reported a loss of taste and smell had Covid antibodies. On other hand, out of those who didn’t have these symptoms tested positive for Covid-fighting antibodies.
Hence, the Covid-fighting antibodies were more likely to be found in those who lost their taste and smell than in those who did not.
Tips to Improve Your Taste & Smell
Include food with a strong taste in your diet, such as cheese and toasted nuts, and include aromatic herbs, seasoning and spices to boost the flavour of your food. Try eating food with different textures and colours. Hot spices such as chilli powder and cayenne pepper may be helpful in regaining your taste. Smell training can rewire the brain to detect scents and improve the sense of smell.