Subjective evaluation of smell and taste dysfunction in patients with mild COVID-19 in Spain

Abstract Background Has been described the loss of smell and taste as onset symptoms in SARS-CoV-2. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence in Spain. Methods Prospective study of COVID-19 confirmed patients through RT-PCR in Spain. Patients completed olfactory and gustatory questionnaires. Results A total of 1043 patients with mild COVID-19 disease. The mean age was 39 ± 12 years. 826 patients (79.2%) described smell disorder, 662 (63.4%) as a total loss and 164 (15.7%) partial. 718 patients (68.8%) noticed some grade of taste dysfunction. There was a significant association between both disorders (p  Conclusion The sudden onset smell and/or taste dysfunction should be considered highly suspicious for COVID-19 infection.