The sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection are well known in the airways and other body parts;however, new research suggests that the virus infects mouth cells as well.

The new findings may help explain the loss of taste and smell, dry mouth, and blistering seen in some patients with COVID-19. This comes as the first direct evidence that SARS-CoV-2 not only infects and replicates in cells of the mouth but the fluid generated by the mouth is infectious too. The researchers noted that the salivary glands were actually working as a virus production factory. Additionally, the study findings also help validate the importance of wearing masks,appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and social distancing. The findings are published online in Nature Medicine… (Medscape)