Life Without Taste and Smell: A Baker’s Struggle After COVID-19
Diana Selic, a 45-year-old baker originally from Serbia, has been living in France for 23 years, bringing the art of baking to the streets of Lyon. In the summer of 2021, Selic’s life took an unexpected turn when she contracted COVID-19 during a visit to Budva, Montenegro. The virus left her with a lasting impact: the loss of her sense of smell and an altered sense of taste.
For someone whose life revolves around the aromas and flavors of freshly baked goods, this loss has been devastating. “It’s unbearable for me to not be able to smell,” Selic shared. “I’ve been cooking all my life, but now I don’t know how to do anything right.”
The absence of these crucial senses has not only impeded her work but also stripped away the simple joys of savoring food. Each day, Selic strives to re-educate her brain in hopes of regaining her abilities. “There’s not much that I can do except try to re-educate my brain, which is not an easy task,” she explained.
Selic’s story highlights the lingering effects of COVID-19 that many around the world continue to face. As a seasoned baker, her experience underscores the profound personal and professional challenges brought on by the pandemic.
In sharing her journey, Selic hopes to bring awareness to the struggles of others who are navigating life with similar long-term symptoms, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in these unprecedented times.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
