Talk with a doctor if loss of taste goes well beyond a recent bout of congestion or illness, has come on suddenly, or is accompanied by other symptoms. If it persists long term, it can lead to under or overeating, malnutrition, and poorer quality of life. But in some cases, it could be a sign of a serious condition.

Losing your sense of taste while nursing a cold, allergies, or flu is likely temporary. Take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for pain and fever. If you test positive, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.

Difficulty breathing or chest pain signals a medical emergency.Įven with no other symptoms, loss of taste can be indicative of COVID-19, so speak with a doctor about testing or sign up for a test with a community provider. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, and fatigue. The virus that causes COVID-19 can enter cells through these receptors. But researchers have found that the epithelial cells in your mouth, including taste bud cells, contain receptors for the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The reason why COVID-19 can affect your taste isn’t entirely clear. In a review of studies, researchers found impairment of taste or smell commonly occurred before other COVID-19 symptoms.įor a very small number of people, loss or change in taste may be long term. People who lost their sense of smell regained it within 21 days except for two people, who developed long-term loss of smell.

4.5 percent lost their sense of smell (but not taste)Įverybody who lost their taste regained it within 14 days.

4 percent lost their sense of smell and taste.

7 percent lost their sense of taste (but not smell).

In an April 2021 study, researchers found that in a group of 200 people with mild to moderate COVID-19: Change or loss of taste is commonly reported by people with COVID-19.

Ways to get your taste buds back