Association between new onset anosmia and positive SARS-CoV-2 tests among people accessing outpatient testing in Toronto, Ontario: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Anosmia reportedly has been strongly associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but patients were often asked about this symptom after their diagnosis. This study assessed associations between prospectively reported anosmia and other symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and SARS-CoV-2 positivity in community testing centres in Toronto, Ontario.
A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in which data were collected from 2 COVID-19 assessment centres affiliated with 2 hospitals in Toronto, Ontario. Profiles of all people who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 test at either clinic within the study period were included. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to account for repeat visits and to assess associations between anosmia and other symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 positivity.
