How to get the taste back after fever

A fever commonly occurs with an infection or inflammation. Dry mouth, reduced appetite, a coated tongue, and a blocked nose can make flavours seem weak. Much of what people call taste comes from smell, so congestion may reduce flavour even when the tongue is working normally.

A common cold or COVID-19 can include changes in smell or taste. The fever itself does not identify the cause, and a change in taste does not by itself confirm a particular infection.

Sip water regularly and choose moist foods if your mouth feels dry. Brush your teeth and tongue gently, and rinse your mouth after vomiting or sugary drinks. Salty, sour, bitter, and sweet foods may help you notice which flavour sensations are still present; stop anything that irritates your mouth.

Rest, eat small nourishing meals, and avoid smoking. Do not put strong chemicals, concentrated oils, or irritating substances in your nose or mouth. If congestion continues, ask a pharmacist or clinician which treatment is suitable for you, especially if you have another health condition or take regular medicines.

Arrange medical advice if taste does not begin to improve as the illness settles, returns repeatedly, or is accompanied by ongoing loss of smell, mouth pain, white patches, trouble swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or a rapidly worsening condition.

Ask whether your symptoms fit the recent illness, whether your medicines can affect taste, and whether your nose, mouth, or nerves need examination. Mention when the fever started, when taste changed, other symptoms, and any new medicines.