>An estimated 80 percent of people with COVID-19 have smell disturbances, and many also have dysgeusia or ageusia (a disruption or loss of taste, respectively) or changes in chemesthesis (the ability to sense chemical irritants such as hot chilies). Smell loss is so common in people with the disease that some researchers have recommended its use as a diagnostic test because it may be a more reliable marker than fever or other symptoms.
what the fuck is this virus? I keep reading disturbing things about how even 18 year olds can't smell anything even months later, and there's no explanation for it and probably never will be. The only thing i can think of is it fucking up your nerve endings, which seems like it would last forever. Imagine not being able to taste steak or pie. I just wasn't expecting almost everyone who has the virus to lose these senses.