Loss of appetite after flu

Flu can leave you tired, feverish, congested, and less sensitive to taste and smell. Coughing, nausea, dehydration, and the effort of recovery can reduce interest in meals. A secondary problem may need attention if fever returns, breathing becomes harder, or you develop chest pain. COVID-19 can also affect smell, taste, and appetite, so a clinician may consider the wider symptom pattern rather than appetite alone.

Rest and take frequent sips of water, broth, or another suitable drink. Eat small amounts whenever appetite appears; soft foods, soup, yoghurt, eggs, beans, or fruit can provide useful nourishment. Treat congestion and fever only with medicines appropriate for you, following the label or clinician's instructions. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, are pregnant, or are caring for a child, seek tailored advice about fluids and medicines.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, chest pain, new confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt review if fever returns after improving, cough worsens, urine becomes very infrequent, or appetite remains poor with ongoing weight loss. Consider testing or clinical advice if flu-like symptoms were not formally assessed.

Could this be a complication or another infection? Are my medicines affecting nausea or taste? How much should I drink given my health conditions? When should persistent fatigue or appetite loss be investigated?