Up to 87% of people diagnosed with COVID-19 report having lost their sense of smell, particularly the ability to detect the scents of peppermint and coconut oil.
Researchers tested 25 different odorants, narrowed them down to five different scents and ultimately learned that 50% of asymptomatic, but infected, persons had trouble with their sense of smell. While the reasons for it most likely have to do with the fact that inflammation in the nose, along with the upper respiratory congestion and drainage, can hinder your smelling ability, scientists said a smell test could be an easy, at-home test people could take if they suspect they might have COVID-19.
Another symptom infected people have reported is that they also lose their sense of taste, with some saying they felt like everything tasted like cardboard.
SOURCE: Yahoo! Life October 11, 2020