Anosmia and loss of smell in the era of covid-19

What you need to know • Half of patients with covid-19 may lose sense of smell; guidance states that a new change or loss in sense of smell should prompt a period of self-isolation • Nine in 10 patients can expect substantial improvement in their sense of smell within four weeks • Most patients with loss of smell do not require further investigations or referral, although their covid-19 status should be established if possible • Treatment involves reassurance, olfactory training, safety advice, and topical corticosteroids-but oral prednisolone should be avoided where acute covid-19 infection is suspected A 46 year old ophthalmologist presents with a two week history of loss of sense of smell and taste.He believes he may have been exposed to covid-19 but, at the time, did not meet the criteria for testing.