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How long can COVID loss of taste last?

Where Loss of Taste is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Loss of Taste is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

COVID-related loss of taste often improves gradually, but ongoing or distorted taste should be assessed if it affects eating or daily life.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Possible patterns
Reduced, absent or distorted taste
Flavour
Smell strongly influences how food tastes
Support
Protect meals, fluids and food safety

What taste change can feel like

Taste may seem reduced, absent or distorted. Food can appear bland because smell supplies much of flavour, and a blocked nose can add to the problem. A common cold can cause temporary taste change, while symptoms that persist after COVID-19 may occur with Long COVID. Symptoms can improve unevenly rather than following a predictable timetable.

Learn more about [Loss of Taste](/symptoms/loss-of-taste/), [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/) and [Long COVID](/conditions/long-covid/).

Practical measures

Try different textures, temperatures and mild flavours to keep meals enjoyable, while avoiding very hot foods if sensation is altered. Maintain regular meals and fluids, and notice whether appetite or weight is changing. Check food freshness visually and keep smoke and gas alarms working. A clinician or pharmacist can advise if nasal symptoms are also present.

When to seek care

Arrange an appointment when taste loss persists without improvement, returns repeatedly, becomes distorted, or interferes with eating, mood or daily activities. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, sudden weakness, confusion or a serious head injury. Taste loss alone cannot establish its cause.

Questions to ask

Ask whether smell, nasal inflammation or medicines may be contributing, whether an examination is needed, and how to protect nutrition while taste returns.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Why can food taste bland after COVID-19?

Taste and smell work together, so reduced smell can make flavour seem weak even when the tongue detects basic tastes.

When should persistent taste loss be checked?

Arrange a review when it is not improving, keeps returning or affects eating, mood or everyday function.

Related

Related reading

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.