How long does it take to recover smell after COVID?

Loss of smell can reduce flavour, appetite and enjoyment of food. Some people notice smells returning faintly, while others experience parosmia, where familiar odours seem unpleasant or different. Taste may also seem reduced because smell contributes to flavour. Smell loss is a recognised COVID-19 symptom, but persistent symptoms can occur within Long COVID and have other possible explanations. Improvement can be gradual rather than a sudden switch back to normal.

Protect safety by checking smoke alarms and expiry dates rather than relying on smell. Choose foods with varied textures and safe, familiar flavours if eating feels difficult. Smell training may be discussed with a clinician: it involves regularly and safely noticing selected scents over time. Do not put irritants or concentrated substances inside the nose. Record whether smells are absent, faint or distorted, and note nasal blockage, headaches or other symptoms.

Contact a clinician if smell has not begun to return, suddenly worsens after improvement, or is accompanied by one-sided nasal blockage, recurrent nosebleeds, severe headache or neurological changes. Seek urgent help for facial weakness, new confusion or severe breathing trouble. Assessment can include an examination of the nose and a review of medicines, infection history and other causes.

Ask whether your symptoms fit post-viral smell loss, whether smell training is suitable, and how to manage altered taste or appetite. Mention any Fatigue, difficulty concentrating or low mood that began with or after COVID-19.