More than five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, researchers are still uncovering the long-term consequences of the virus. One of the most unsettling findings is that for many people who lost their sense of smell during infection, it may never fully return. A new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that for a significant portion of COVID survivors, smell loss could be permanent—and that reality raises both medical and psychological concerns.

What does the research say about permanent smell loss after COVID?

The NIH study tracked thousands of Americans who had COVID-19 and compared them with those who never tested positive. Participants were asked to identify 40 different scents in a clinical test. Two years after infection:

• 80% of those who lost their sense of smell during illness scored poorly on the test.
• One in four reported severe impairment or complete loss of smell.

That means even long after recovery, many people still can’t detect odors reliably. Researchers believe the damage stems from inflammation in the olfactory system caused by the virus.

Interestingly, the study also found that 60% of people who reported never having COVID performed poorly on the smell test too. Scientists point to age as the most likely factor, but they didn’t rule out the possibility that some participants had undiagnosed infections.

Why does loss of smell matter beyond inconvenience?

At first glance, losing the ability to smell may seem like a minor inconvenience. But doctors caution that the impact is much deeper. Dr. Leora Horwitz, co-author of the NIH study, explained that patients often underestimate the consequences.

“While patients may not notice right away, a dulled nose can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being,” Horwitz said.

Here’s why it matters:

• Safety risks: People who can’t smell are unable to detect smoke, gas leaks, or spoiled food.
• Nutrition and appetite: Smell is tightly linked to taste. Without it, food can seem bland, leading to reduced appetite, poor nutrition, or unintended weight loss.
• Mental health: Research shows that sensory loss can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. For many, smell is linked to memory and emotional well-being. Losing it can feel like losing a piece of life itself.

Can smell loss be treated or reversed?

Currently, treatment options are limited. Some patients try smell training—a therapy that involves repeated exposure to essential oils or strong scents to “retrain” the brain. Results vary, and while some regain partial function, others never recover.

Doctors stress that more research is needed. Because smell loss wasn’t considered a widespread medical issue before COVID, treatments are still in their infancy. For now, preventive health and early detection of reinfections remain the strongest defenses.

Are new COVID variants still causing smell loss?

While loss of smell was a hallmark symptom of the original coronavirus strains, newer variants have shown different patterns. For example, the latest strain spreading in the UK, called Stratus, is associated more with “razor throat” (a scratchy, painful throat) than with smell or taste changes.

However, researchers caution that with every mutation, symptom profiles can shift. It’s possible that future strains could reintroduce smell loss as a primary symptom.

This underscores the need for continued tracking of COVID variants, not only for acute illness but also for long-term health effects.

Why this study matters for public health

The NIH findings are a reminder that the pandemic’s impact isn’t just about survival rates or immediate symptoms. The virus continues to shape long-term health in ways that aren’t always visible.

Key takeaways for public health:

• Permanent disability risk: Smell loss affects safety, nutrition, and quality of life. It should be treated as more than a “mild” symptom.
• Aging and smell: Declining olfactory ability is common with age. COVID may accelerate this process, creating compounding risks in older populations.
• Healthcare adaptation: Doctors, dieticians, and mental health professionals need to address smell loss as part of long COVID care.

TL;DR (Summary)

A new NIH study shows that up to 80% of people who lost their sense of smell from COVID still haven’t fully recovered two years later, and one in four may never regain it. The consequences go beyond inconvenience—affecting safety, nutrition, and mental health. While newer variants don’t always cause smell loss, the long-term effects of earlier infections highlight how COVID continues to change lives years after the initial wave.