How long can taste changes last after COVID-19?

COVID-19 can affect taste directly and can also reduce smell, which contributes strongly to flavour. Some people notice muted flavours, while others notice an unpleasant or altered taste as their senses recover. Loss of taste can occur during the infection or continue afterwards as part of Long COVID.

Recovery is not always steady. Flavours may seem different from one day to the next, and food may taste unusually bitter, metallic, or bland. A blocked nose, dry mouth, medicines, and other illnesses can also affect taste.

Choose foods with varied textures and temperatures, and use safe flavourings such as herbs, spices, or citrus if they suit you. Keep hydrated and maintain oral care, because a dry mouth or mouth irritation can make the change more noticeable.

Smell training may be discussed if smell is also reduced. Keep meals nourishing even when familiar foods are unappealing, and check food dates carefully because taste may not warn you that food has spoiled. Do not smoke to stimulate taste.

Arrange a GP Consultation if taste does not begin to improve, interferes with eating, or comes with ongoing Loss of Smell, Fatigue, joint pain, difficulty concentrating, or low mood. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, confusion, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask whether your pattern fits post-viral recovery, whether medicines or mouth problems could contribute, and whether a taste or smell assessment would be useful. Bring a short record of when the change began and which foods are affected.