How COVID-19 Could Be 'Swallowed' Into The Body — Researchers

Researchers have revealed that they have found proof that the coronavirus infects the mouth, including inside the cheeks, in the gums and salivary glands.

Per a report from CNN, a recent study has shown that when people swallow infected saliva, it opens a possibility of them spreading the virus to other parts of their bodies.

The detailed study which is contained in the journal Nature Medicine may explain why some infected individuals lose their sense of taste, suggesting that the mouth is a vital source of the spread of COVID-19.

According to the report, it was previously shown that saliva testing was a good way to detect infection but researchers hadn't looked to see why.

Dr. Kevin Byrd of the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute who worked on the study said, "When infected saliva is swallowed or tiny particles of it are inhaled, we think it can potentially transmit SARS-CoV-2 further into our throats, our lungs, or even our guts.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: President Putin Gets Vaccinated Behind Closed Doors

Since the mouth, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs are connected, the virus can spread across all of these regions in mucus that drains or is coughed up.

The researchers checked samples of oral tissue from people who died of the virus in about half of the salivary glands that were tested. They also found evidence that people who test negative after a nasal swab sometimes continue to test positive on a saliva test, highlighting that even if the virus is cleared from the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat behind the nose), it could persist in the saliva.