How long does taste take to come back after COVID-19?

Smell and taste are closely connected, so smell recovery may change how food seems before taste feels normal. Return can be partial, fluctuating, or accompanied by distorted flavours. A lingering change may occur with Long COVID, yet congestion, mouth conditions, medicines, and other causes can also affect taste. The symptom itself does not establish which condition is responsible.

Try small portions of foods with different textures and temperatures, and choose nourishing options that remain acceptable. Maintain oral hygiene and drink regularly. Keep a note of flavour changes, smell, appetite, and any nausea. Check food carefully before eating because reduced smell may make spoilage harder to detect. Avoid placing harsh substances or untested products in the mouth or nose.

Book a clinical review if taste has not begun to return, remains strongly altered, or affects nutrition and hydration. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe confusion, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. The clinician may review COVID-19 recovery, nasal and oral health, medicines, and symptoms such as fatigue or low mood.

Is my smell loss contributing to the taste problem? Should my mouth, nose, or medicines be checked? What foods can support nutrition? Could ongoing symptoms fit Long COVID or another condition?