Loss of appetite during a cold

A blocked nose can dull flavour, while throat irritation may make swallowing uncomfortable. Fever or feeling generally unwell can also lower interest in meals. Appetite should start to return as the cold improves. Similar symptoms can occur with Influenza or COVID-19, especially when fever, marked aches, breathing symptoms or a change in smell or taste are present. Stomach symptoms may point towards Gastroenteritis instead.

Take frequent sips of water, oral rehydration fluid, broth or another drink you tolerate. Choose small, easy foods such as soup, yoghurt, eggs, rice, fruit or toast rather than trying to finish a large meal. Rest, keep the air comfortable and manage nasal blockage according to advice from a pharmacist or clinician. Avoid forcing food, and do not stop prescribed medicines without checking first.

Arrange medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, pass very little urine, feel faint, become unusually drowsy, develop breathing difficulty, or the appetite loss continues after the cold is settling. Seek prompt help for severe chest pain, confusion or blue lips. Yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent upper-abdominal pain or ongoing vomiting needs assessment because it is not typical of a simple cold.

Ask whether your symptoms fit a cold or another infection, whether any current medicine can affect appetite, and which fluids or foods are suitable if you have another health condition.