Profound loss of smell but negative test

[HappyPumpkin81]

Has anyone else completely lost there sense of smell and taste, but had a negative Covid test? I developed a sore throat and headache on Friday, and woke up with no sense of smell or taste on Sunday. I cannot smell anything, I did not know my daughter's nappy was full until my fingers squished in the mess, I cannot smell anything when I sniff the tub of Vicks vapour rub. I have never known anything like this in my 40 years. I don't have a blocked nose and I can breathe fine. I had my Covid test on Monday morning and was fully expecting the result to be positive, but it was negative. While I am some what relieved I don't have Covid, I am worried I could have had a false negative and still be spreading it around. I would really like to know other people's experiences of losing their sense of smell.

Definitely book thee into another test just to be on the safe side. Cant go wrong being cautious. Maybe speak to 111 just to see what they say too. I wish you well.

Sounds like Covid.

I'd get another test - there's a high false negative rate with the test. Did you do it yourself or did someone do it for you?

Loss of smell without.blocked nose sounds very much like Covid, I would test again.

I was poorly last week. I had a change in smell, it was like a burning smell for a good few days. No fever, but fatigue and a poorly stomach. Negative test.
The smell has now stopped, but I am not convinced it was negative. A co worker tested postive at the same time and we had been in close contact through work.

Thank you all for your replies. I am being cautious and minimising my interaction with everyone, luckily I am working from home at the minute.

I did the swab myself. I am pretty sure I did it right as I gagged and felt as if I was scratching my brain rather than the back of my nose. My main symptoms, other than the lack of smell, is a sore throat, headache, fatigue, random sneezes and the occasional dry cough. I also keep making stupid mistakes!

Repeat the test. The false negative rate is really really high.

I had a negative test after high temp, fatigue and loss of taste. Since been tested for antibodies, and unsurprisingly don't have any.

Testing negative for antibodies doesn't necessarily mean you haven't had Covid.

Yeah I’d repeat the test. COVID loss of smell is so different from when people get it from blocked noses. I was sniffing so hard in jars of lazy garlic and couldn’t smell a thing! Was so bizarre.

10-15% is the rate of false negatives
You have had fatigue, sore throat, headaches, dry cough and profound loss of smell.
I'd definitely retest

I tested negative 4 times and lost my smell and taste, bad headaches on and off and sore throat at the beginning like 7 days ago. Still have symtoms like dizzy, congestion slight headache and loss of smell and taste after around 10 days. I retested 2 times today, one rapid (negative) and one lab test. Waiting on results. So weird. I was probably exposed Jan 2-3 2021. Still having symptoms.

I lost my sense of taste completely before Christmas as did my neighbour (kids in same class). We both tested negative twice. I am not convinced it was COVID. I had no other symptoms really other than feeling a bit off. Think it was just another virus. They do still exist.

Book another test!

Oh my goodness. I mean this with respect and concern for everyone's condition, so please don't take this the wrong way, but do you all think someone sticking a swab up into your olfactory gland repeatedly might have affected your smell and taste? Just a thought . . .

Anosmia with covid is unlike anything I'd experienced either. No runny nose or blocked in any way but complete inability to smell anything.

Some posters affected by false negatives or dodgy results booked a postal test instead. I daresay these go to different labs.

@RedPillBlonde why have you posted on a thread from November 2020 just to have a go at testing?

I have a serious question about people losing smell after testing. What does the date matter? MYOB.

"but do you all think someone sticking a swab up into your olfactory gland repeatedly might have affected your smell and taste? "

Many many people have had to test twice a week for months or a year if you work in care homes, with no reports of this happening. I'm also unsure how this would damage test buds.
I mean this with respect and concern for your condition but you are being absurd.

You people are so easily offended. My question is legitimate. People who lose their smell also lose their taste. I was trying to help but nevermind. Go stick some more swabs up you noses. Nevermind that they get better results from saliva swab. And for heavens sakes, do what you are told. Never question authority or Dr Faucci. He's such a wonderful guy.

www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200427/saliva-covid-test-alternative-to-deep-nasal-swab#1

@RedPillBlonde

Oh my goodness. I mean this with respect and concern for everyone's condition, so please don't take this the wrong way, but do you all think someone sticking a swab up into your olfactory gland repeatedly might have affected your smell and taste? Just a thought . . .

Is it really legitimate? Really?

😂

On a few occasions before Covid existed I have lost my sense of smell completely during/after a cold. I haven't always had a bunged up nose, either.