Abstract
Introduction It is now evident that the loss of smell and/or taste may be consistent accompanying
symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Objective To estimate the social behavior of recent anosmic non-hospitalized patients in the
COVID-19 pandemic and to try to obtain the natural pattern in society in a cross-sectional
study.
Methods A cross-sectional study conducted on 4,860 patients with anosmia complaints during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients who needed a consultation for an anosmia complaint
confirmed that they had completed the survey regarding age, gender, history of general
diseases, history of nasal disease, associated COVID-19 symptoms, smoking, blood group,
and risk factors.
Results A total of 4,860 patients with a mean age of 34.26 ± 11.91 years completed the study.
There was a predominance of female patients: 3,150 (58.9%). Most patients (4,083 patients;
83%) developed sudden anosmia. In 85% (4131 patients) of the patients, a previous
history of contact with anosmic patients was present. The most prevalent blood group
was O (39%). In total, 67.4% of the patients underwent medical treatment. A history
of unusual influenza attacks in December 2020 was reported by by 27% (1312 patients)
of the patients.
Conclusion Despite large diversity of behaviors among anosmic patients in the COVID-19 pandemic,
we can observe a great similarity in the pattern of anosmia in non-hospitalized patients,
especially in the way it spreads, the predisposing factors, and the individual recovery.
Keywords
anosmia - COVID-19 - non-hospitalized patients - pandemic
