How common is loss of taste in COVID-19?

COVID-19 can affect the smell and taste pathways involved in flavour. Food may seem bland, familiar flavours may change, or taste may disappear for a while. Loss of taste can occur with other respiratory symptoms, but some people notice it before congestion, cough, fever, or tiredness. The symptom can also have causes unrelated to COVID-19, such as a blocked nose, another infection, medication effects, or a problem affecting the mouth or nerves.

The presence of loss of taste does not by itself confirm the cause. Consider when it began, whether your sense of smell changed too, and whether you have had a recent illness or exposure. A clinician can interpret the whole pattern and advise whether testing is appropriate.

Follow current local advice about testing, staying home, and reducing close contact if you have new symptoms or have been exposed. Rest, drink enough fluid, and choose foods with a texture and temperature that remain appealing. Check food carefully because reduced taste and smell can make spoiled food harder to detect.

Avoid smoking and strong irritants while your senses recover. Do not change prescribed medicines without medical advice. If the change is troublesome, lasts longer than expected, or affects eating and drinking, arrange a medical review.

Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue or grey lips, or signs of serious dehydration. Contact a clinician promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, have worsening symptoms, or are at higher risk from respiratory infections. Arrange a routine review if taste remains altered after the acute illness or if it is affecting nutrition, appetite, or safety.

Ask whether your symptom pattern warrants a COVID-19 test, whether medicines or nasal blockage could be contributing, and what changes should prompt follow-up. You can also ask how to protect nutrition while taste is reduced and whether a persistent change needs assessment by another clinician.