Loss of smell and taste with flu

When flu makes the nasal lining swollen or produces mucus, aromas cannot move normally to the smell receptors. That reduces flavour, so meals may seem dull. Fever, tiredness, dry mouth and reduced appetite can add to the experience.

Flu often brings a sudden broader illness with fever or chills, muscle aches, headache, cough and marked fatigue. These features do not confirm flu, and a change in smell or taste can also occur with a common cold, allergic rhinitis, sinus inflammation or COVID-19. Recovery may be gradual after the main illness improves.

Rest, drink regularly and choose foods that are easy to tolerate. Saline nasal care may ease congestion for some people; ask a pharmacist or clinician which products suit your health and medicines. Avoid smoke and do not use antibiotics unless prescribed for a bacterial problem.

Because smell helps detect danger, check smoke and gas alarms and label food by date rather than relying on odour. Record whether the change is in one or both sides of the nose, and whether congestion or distorted smells are present. Contact a clinician if the illness is not settling or eating and drinking become difficult.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or grey lips, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice if you are pregnant, immunocompromised, have a long-term condition, or feel much worse after initial improvement.

Arrange a routine review if smell or taste remains reduced after the flu-like illness has cleared, especially with facial pain, repeated sinus symptoms, nasal bleeding or one-sided blockage. Similar symptoms can have different causes, so examination may be useful.

Do my symptoms fit flu or another respiratory infection? Should I test for COVID-19 or discuss antiviral treatment? What can I safely use for nasal blockage, and how long should I wait before an assessment of persistent smell loss?