The research describes how SARS-CoV-2 not only invades the respiratory tract but also impacts the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in neurological symptoms such as loss of smell, taste, headache, fatigue and nausea.

It does this by infecting the human brain via nasal mucus, the study has found.

The finding is the first of such to demonstrate how the coronavirus can enter the brain's neurons via the mucosal pathway.

To confirm their hypothesis, Scientists in Germany performed autopsies on 33 patients who died of COVID-19.

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The study does not establish how the virus advances to the brain from this point, however.

"Our data suggest that the virus moves from nerve cell to nerve cell in order to reach the brain," explains Dr Helena Radbruch, one of the academics who worked on the study.

"It is likely, however, that the virus is also transported via the blood vessels, as evidence of the virus was also found in the walls of blood vessels in the brain."

The study also detected the presence of immune cells in the cerebral fluid, which were activated following infection.

Professor Heppner said: "In our eyes, the presence of the virus in nerve cells of the olfactory mucosa provides good explanation for the neurologic symptoms found in patients - such as a loss of the sense of smell or taste.

"We also found it in areas of the brain which control vital functions - such as breathing.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are:

"Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms," says the health body.

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus, you must get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible, according to public health advice.

You and anyone you live with should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result only leave your home to have a test.

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Coronavirus may enter the brain through the nose - the neurological symptoms to look for - Express