We're all coping as best as we can right now – trying hard to manage high stress levels and a lot of anxiety. I know I am! ?
I'm sharing some information below regarding a complaint people are currently experiencing that could be a sign for Covid-19.
Anosmia – The loss of sense of smell, and ageusia, an accompanying diminished sense of taste, have emerged as peculiar telltale signs of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and possible markers of infection; https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell-taste.html.
Anosmia has been seen in patients, ultimately testing positive for the coronavirus with no other symptoms. A large number of the initial deaths of medical personnel in Wuhan were ENT physicians. Two ENT’s in Great Britain are in critical condition. Due to the gaining evidence, Prof. Claire Hopkins, president of the British Rhinological Society, recommended, “adults who lose their senses of smell should isolate themselves for seven days, even if they have no other symptom. We really want to raise awareness that this is a sign of infection.” Triage nurses and staff should be advised to wear complete PPE when encountering patients with a chief complaint of anosmia or ageusia. Self-isolation and testing of these patients should be seriously considered.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this topic further. In the meantime, I will continue to share information that I believe is essential for us to protect each other and stay safe and healthy.
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