Influenza loss of appetite: what to know

During influenza, the immune response and fever can make food seem less appealing. A blocked nose, sore throat, tiredness or an unsettled stomach may also make eating difficult. Appetite often returns as the illness improves, but inability to drink is more concerning than missing a meal.

Reduced appetite can occur with several illnesses, including COVID-19, gastroenteritis and gastritis. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause. Notice whether you also have vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or persistent low mood.

Take frequent sips of water, oral rehydration fluid or clear soup. Choose small portions of soft foods such as yoghurt, rice, toast, bananas or soup, and eat when your appetite is strongest. Avoid forcing a large meal. Rest, follow the label of any medicine you use, and avoid sharing utensils while you are unwell.

Arrange medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint, develop worsening abdominal pain, or remain unable to eat as influenza symptoms settle. Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, bluish lips, confusion, severe weakness or chest pain. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term conditions may need earlier advice.

Ask whether your symptoms fit influenza, whether a medicine could be affecting appetite, and how to prevent dehydration. Tell the clinician about vomiting, diarrhoea, weight change, existing stomach or liver problems, and every medicine you take.