First sign of coronavirus could be loss of taste and smell – just hours after catching bug
LOSING your sense of taste and smell could be a sign you caught coronavirus just HOURS earlier, doctors believe.
An increasing number of people are reporting the loss of the two senses, despite it not being a main symptom recognised by the NHS.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
New evidence gathered by ENT UK, the body representing ear, nose and throat doctors, said it could be one of the first signs you have Covid-19.
The NHS and Government currently advises Brits watch out for a new, continuous cough and/or a high temperature.
If you develop either, the advise is to stay at home and self-isolate for at least seven days - until you recover.
But, there are growing calls for a loss of taste and smell to be added to that official list of symptoms.
ENT UK said the symptoms are being reported in many young people, who don't go on to present any other signs.
It is thought that this is a different way the body fights the virus, which doesn't spread to the lungs but instead remains in the nasal passage.
However, as it isn't a confirmed symptom by WHO, people are not being told to self-isolate, meaning people could be spreading the virus without realising.
British Rhinological Society President Claire Hopkins said: "I have personally seen four patients this week, all under 40, and otherwise asymptomatic except for the recent onset of anosmia — I usually see roughly no more than one a month.
"I think these patients may be some of the hitherto hidden carriers that have facilitated the rapid spread of Covid-19.
";Unfortunately, these patients do not meet current criteria for testing or self isolation."
Similar symptoms are being confirmed elsewhere in the world - anosmia (complete loss of smell) is found in two out of three cases in Germany, according to ENT.
In South Korea, 30 per cent of confirmed patients claim losing their ability to smell was a major symptom.
Dr Tony Narula, a past president of ENT UK, added that people will often get both senses back within four to six weeks.
The loss of taste is also found to be because of being unable to "smell".
He added: "Around 80 per cent of taste is actually due to smell, from aromas at the back of the mouth circulating into the nose."
Anyone who presents either symptom is now being urged to self-isolate, with WHO considering whether to update the current symptom list.
They are currently investigating the link between loss of smell and taste and Covid-19.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world - plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Most read in health news
Earlier this week, the head of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) said around one in four NHS doctors are off work sick or in isolation.
Public Health England (PHE) also announced that almost 11,000 coronavirus tests a day can now be carried out.
The Government had set a target of carrying out 10,000 tests a day by Sunday but PHE figures show 9,114 had been carried out as of 9am on Saturday and 8,278 had been carried out by the same time on Sunday.