Loss of taste and smell with flu: what to know

Much of what people call taste comes from odours reaching the smell receptors through the nose. A blocked or swollen nose can therefore make food seem bland, even when the tongue still detects basic tastes. Flu-like symptoms may also occur with the Common Cold or COVID-19, so the symptom pattern alone cannot identify the cause.

Notice whether the change began with fever, cough, blocked nose, tiredness, or a sore throat. A change that continues after the respiratory symptoms settle deserves a separate assessment; Long COVID is one possible explanation after a previous infection.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid smoke or strong irritants. Saline nasal drops or rinses may ease congestion when used as directed. Choose safe foods with clear textures, and check food dates because reduced smell can make spoilage harder to notice. Consider testing for COVID-19 when current symptoms or a recent exposure make that relevant, and limit close contact while you feel unwell.

Do not place oils, powders, or unapproved products inside the nose. If smell and taste do not begin returning as the illness improves, arrange a primary-care review.

Seek urgent help for trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, or difficulty staying awake. Arrange prompt medical advice for severe facial pain, swelling around an eye, a persistent high fever, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement. A clinician can examine the nose, review medicines and exposures, and decide whether further testing is useful.

Ask: Could nasal congestion explain the change? Should I test for COVID-19? Could any medicine or nasal product be contributing? How long should I monitor recovery, and what should I do if smell returns before taste?