How long after COVID does smell and taste return?

COVID-19 can temporarily affect the smell pathways and the way flavour is experienced. Because much of taste comes from smell, food may seem bland even when the tongue can still detect basic tastes. Some people notice gradual improvement, while others experience distorted smells or flavours as the senses recover. Persistent loss of smell is a recognised symptom after COVID-19 and can occur alongside fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or low mood.

Choose foods with varied textures and safe, appealing temperatures, and keep meals nourishing while flavour is reduced. Avoid adding excessive salt or sugar to compensate. Smell training, using familiar safe scents in a structured routine, may be discussed with a clinician. Check food dates carefully and use smoke and gas alarms because reduced smell can make hazards harder to detect.

Arrange a medical review if smell or taste remains substantially reduced, worsens after improving, or makes eating difficult. Seek urgent help for breathing trouble, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of dehydration. A clinician can consider other causes, assess nutrition and safety, and decide whether referral is appropriate.

Ask whether your pattern fits recovery after COVID-19, whether smell training is suitable, and how to protect food and household safety while your senses are altered.