Five years after COVID-19: The alarming symptom many still experience

A new American study from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) found that more than half of 419 participants who suffered from smell impairment due to COVID-19 had not fully recovered even after five years. Only 44.2% reported complete recovery, 48.4% reported partial recovery, and 7.4% reported no recovery or worsening. The study was based on a follow-up survey that began in 2020 and was re-examined at the end of 2025. It found that among participants under age 40, about 61.7% reported full recovery, compared to only about 34% among older participants. The researchers note that the rate of recovery slows over time, but do not rule out the possibility of late improvement. The article mentions treatment options such as smell training, and recommends consulting an ear-nose-throat doctor and taking safety measures at home. The researchers emphasize that this is a preliminary report based on self-assessment questionnaires, and further studies with objective tests are needed.