Does flu cause loss of taste and smell?

Flu may inflame the nose and throat, create congestion, and reduce the movement of scent molecules to smell receptors. Because flavour depends heavily on smell, food may seem bland even when the tongue can still detect basic tastes. Reduced appetite, a dry mouth, or medicines can add to the effect. Loss of taste and smell is also associated with COVID-19, and symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish the two illnesses.

Rest, drink fluids, and use simple measures for comfort if you have flu symptoms. Avoid smoking and strong irritants while your nose and throat recover. Consider staying away from others while you are unwell and follow local advice about testing when COVID-19 is a possibility. Note when the change began, whether congestion is present, and whether smell or taste is returning. If it persists after the respiratory illness settles, arrange a clinical review.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Contact a clinician promptly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or occurring in someone at higher risk of complications. Arrange assessment if the loss is sudden without typical flu symptoms, follows a head injury, or does not begin to improve as you recover.

Could congestion, flu, or another infection explain my change in taste and smell? Do I need testing for COVID-19? What symptoms would mean I should seek urgent care? When should persistent loss be examined?