You are receiving this e-mail because you are invited to participate in a research study on the possible associations between changes in smell and taste and the novel COVID-19 virus in first responders. There is increasing anecdotal evidence that COVID-19 may cause some individuals with the virus to lose or experience reduced sense of smell and/or taste (see https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/health/coronavirus-symptoms-smell-taste.html and https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/03/23/health/ap-us-med-virus-outbreak-loss-of-smell.html). For some people anosmia (i.e., loss of smell) is the only "symptom" they experience, which they are not likely to connect to COVID-19 as it is currently not considered a symptom by the CDC or WHO. These otherwise asymptomatic people are likely a major source of COVID-19 transmission. In an effort to systematically collect data on possible associations between changes in taste and smell we are inviting you to participate in an online research study.
The initial survey should take no more than 20 minutes. We then invite you to complete shorter follow-up surveys daily for the next three months or until you test positive for COVID-19. If you are tested for COVID-19, we invite you to complete a third survey once you receive the results, which should also take no more than 10 minutes. More detailed information and the link to participate in the study can be found at www.udcovid19smellstudy.com.
We are not providing compensation for participating, but do immensely appreciate your time. This is an unprecedented crisis, facilitated by people unknowingly spreading the virus while asymptomatic. We hope that the results of this study will facilitate changes in the CDC's guidelines for COVID19 testing and so that more asymptomatic people who notice diminished ability to smell will self-quarantine. We thank you for your service and sincerely hope that the results of the study ultimately help keep our first responders and the general public safe. For questions about the study, please contact the Principal Investigator, Julie Walsh-Messinger, Ph.D. at jmessinger1@udayton.edu.
Wishing you all good health,
Julie
Julie Walsh-Messinger, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Dayton
St. Joseph's Hall, Room 317
Phone: (937) 229-1380
Pronouns: she /her /hers