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OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of anosmia and dysgeusia in hospitalized patients with diagnosis of acute respiratory failure, secondary to atypical pneumonia due to COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, descriptive-transverse and analytical study, done from 25 April to 3 June 2020, in patients who had anosmia and dysgeusia diagnosed with secondary respiratory failure to atypical pneumonia with confirmed COVID-19 test, with a detailed medical history at their admission and during their hospital stay, with emphasis on the presence of anosmia, dysgeusia and their clinical evolution. RESULTS: Out of the total of 205 hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute respiratory failure, secondary to probable atypical pneumonia COVID-19, only 141 (68.7%) had anosmia and dysgeusia and had positive PCR testing for COVID-19, of which 92 cases were male (65.2%) and 49 cases (34.7%) female. In 85 patients (60.3%) anosmia and dysgeusia were their first clinical manifestation. Their evolution was: in 115 (81.5%) both clinical manifestations disappeared in an average of 10 days; 112 patients (79.4%) had concomitant diseases and during the study 12 patients (8.5%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Anosmia and dysgeusia are part of the important symptoms of COVID-19, particularly in the early stage of the disease. Its early detection is a valuable tool for early diagnosis and effective treatment that will impact on morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]