Smell is most reliable indicator of COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2,Covid 19,Update

Cases : 35,695,735 deaths 1,045,920 : US Cases 7,679,644 death 215032
India : Cases 6,682,073
death :103600
Brazil : cases 4,940,499 deaths 144,773 (worldometer)

Study finds loss of smell most reliable indicator of Covid-19
An acute loss of smell or taste is a highly reliable coronavirus indicator and should now be considered globally as a criterio for self-isolation, testing, and contact tracing, according to a research by UK scientists.Loss of smell are three times more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies compared with those with loss of taste.In some people, anosmia is the first or an early symptom, and for some the only symptom. However, smell loss is an important component of many conditions, from a simple cold, to a sinus infection, to early stage Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, or simply aging.

SARS-CoV-2, like the earlier known SARS-CoV, uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to gain entry to cells via binding with spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 additionally appears to need TMPRSS2, a protease, and some other proteins  to help prime the spike protein in the process of gaining entry to cells.This means that cells must express all of these proteins for the virus to be able to infiltrate them and hijack their machinery to replicate.In the olfactory sensory epithelium (OSE) the proteases are expressed in  abundance.Because of this olfactory symptoms can occur very early in the disease, before respiratory symptoms,

face coverings (nose & mouth) should be part of new normal.
Smoking in any form at this time should be banned in public places as it may increase the spread of virus
Teamwork and feeling of openness is important for winning this Corona war.

Dr Narendra Saini
Chairman Scientific
committee DMC
Chairman AMR committee IMA Hq
Past Sec Gen IMA
Director SAINI DIAGNOSTICS ICMR approved lab for RTPCR testing