A genetic analysis hints at why COVID-19 can mess with smell
People with variants near smell-related genes may have a higher risk of losing smell or taste
![image of a woman smelling an orange](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/011422_EG_covid-smell_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Genetic variants close to two genes involved in smell may make people more likely to lose their sense of taste or smell during a coronavirus infection. The genes provide the genetic instructions to make enzymes that metabolize odors.
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