How long does it take for taste and smell to return after COVID-19 infection?

Some survey data suggest that for most people who experience the loss of taste or smell with COVID-19 infection, the symptoms improve within 1 month. However, other research suggests it may take several months. It’s possible for people to experience a change in their sense of smell when it returns.

How long will my smell be affected after COVID-19 infection?

In most cases, smell dysfunction recovers quickly. However, it can take months. In a minority of cases, recovery can be incomplete with lasting impairment. While no proven treatment is available, olfactory training is recommended.

What happens when you lose your sense of taste and smell?

While the loss of taste or smell is usually a symptom of underlying disease and doesn’t have immediate health consequences on its own, it can make it difficult for people to eat a healthy and adequate diet. Not being able to enjoy food really dulls the incentive to eat well!

What can you eat when you can’t taste anything?

Browning also encouraged people to try acidic foods like lemon and vinegar, which have strong flavors that can sometimes be tasted even when taste is impaired. Adding a strong vinaigrette to a salad, or lemon to pasta could be an easy way to incorporate those foods, she said.

What spices can you eat with no sense of taste or smell?

Black pepper, chile pepper (if you like spicy foods), cinnamon, cumin, garlic powder and ginger can all add strong flavors that might come through even with a diminished sense of taste or smell. Know that taste and smell changes often go away in time.

What can you do to improve your sense of taste?

Browning also encourages people to try acidic foods like lemon and vinegar which have strong flavors that can sometimes be tasted even when taste is impaired. Adding a strong vinaigrette to a salad, or lemon to pasta could be an easy way to incorporate those foods, she said.