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The world may have moved forward from the COVID pandemic, but the effects of COVID remain with us, especially due to its lasting impact on many individuals.
Much of this impact occurred in 2020 and 2021, before widespread vaccination, before the combination of immunity from previous infections and the weaker Omicron variant decreased the risk of severe illness, and before the development of the anti-viral drug Paxlovid to mitigate sustained damage.
When I refer to sequelae, I’m talking about the amorphous multi-organ inflammation known as long COVID. Long COVID affects various organs, including the heart and lungs, and manifests in numerous symptoms like fatigue, tinnitus, and joint aches.
However, a recent study published in the Journal Laryngoscope focuses on a prominent symptom of COVID – loss of smell and taste. The study, based on a National Health Interview survey of over 30,000 individuals who contracted COVID in 2021 (primarily the Delta variant), reveals that over 60 percent experienced temporary loss of smell or taste. While the majority recovered, a significant minority (over 20 percent) reported partial loss of smell or taste for several months.
Why does this happen?
SCIENTIST SICKENED AT WUHAN LAB EARLY IN CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC WAS US-FUNDED
The answer lies in the olfactory lobe of the brain, which is located near the nasal cavities and sinuses. Extensive research conducted by Duke University, Penn State, and NYU Langone Health reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 virus invades the nasal passages, causing damage to cells and leading to the release of debris and inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines. Dr. Ben TenOever, director of the Virology Institute at NYU and lead author of a seminal study published in the journal CELL in 2022, explained in an interview that the virus infects support cells inside the nose, resulting in their death and the release of genetic debris. This triggers an inflammatory response in nearby cells, affecting the nerves in the olfactory lobe.
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Initially, the sense of smell is lost for a few days, but over time, the affected nerves retract their tentacles (neurites) as a protective reflex against inflammation. “When this happens, smell is disrupted for months as you wait for those extensions to grow back. In rare cases, prolonged antiviral signaling can actually kill those neurons and result in permanent smell loss.” Unfortunately, the sense of smell does more than just provide enjoyment during meals – it also warns us against dangerous smells like gas, smoke, and fires.
Treatments for severe and long-lasting loss of smell are still in their early stages and include nerve blocks and injections.
Tragically, the impact of COVID extends beyond the loss of smell. According to Dr. TenOever, the virus affects the rest of the brain, leading to brain fog and exacerbating underlying neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. While effective treatments for most patients are still under development, both Dr. TenOever and I agree that addressing inflammation and supporting the body’s natural healing processes are crucial for recovery.
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What is it about COVID that triggers such a strong immune response? Even after three and a half years since the first cases, we don’t have all the answers yet. However, there is considerable evidence linking the response to the fact that it is a novel pathogen that we had never encountered before. This is one of the unfortunate consequences of a pandemic-causing pathogen. So, as we move past the pandemic, we must recognize that many scars will persist and affect millions of people for years to come.
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