What does loss of taste feel like with COVID-19?

You might still feel the texture, temperature, sweetness, saltiness, sourness or bitterness of food while the fuller flavour is missing. Alternatively, foods may taste metallic, sour, bitter or strangely different from usual. Smells may also seem faint, absent or distorted, which can make the change more noticeable. The experience can vary from a subtle reduction to a more complete loss.

Loss of taste can occur with other COVID-19 symptoms, but a taste change alone cannot establish the cause. Similar symptoms can occur with nasal congestion, other viral illnesses, medication effects or problems affecting the mouth and nose.

Follow current local health guidance if you may have COVID-19, and reduce close contact while you clarify what is happening. Rest and drink regularly. Try foods with varied textures and temperatures, and use safe, familiar ingredients if altered flavours make eating difficult. Take medicines only as directed and check with a pharmacist if you use regular treatment.

Record when the change started and whether smell, fever, cough, sore throat or breathing symptoms appeared with it. Avoid relying on taste or smell to judge whether food is safe; use storage instructions and expiry information.

Contact a clinician if taste remains altered, interferes with eating and drinking, or is accompanied by symptoms that are worsening. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, chest pressure, new confusion, unusual difficulty staying awake, or blue-grey lips or skin.

Ask whether testing or assessment is appropriate, how to manage your other symptoms, and whether any medicines could be affecting taste. Mention your symptom timeline, possible exposure, ability to drink, and whether smell is reduced or distorted.