COVID-19 and smell loss

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can affect the nervous system and respiratory pathways. One common symptom is loss of smell (anosmia), which occurs when the virus damages the olfactory nerves or cells responsible for detecting odors. This disruption prevents smells from reaching the brain, leading to a temporary or, in some cases, prolonged inability to smell. The loss of smell can sometimes be an early indicator of infection and may persist even after other symptoms resolve, highlighting the virus's impact on sensory functions.