Many people associate loss of smell and taste with COVID-19, but the flu can cause these symptoms too, just in a slightly different way. When you’re battling the flu, your nose, throat, and sinuses become inflamed. That inflammation can block airflow to your smell receptors, making it harder to detect scents and, in turn, affecting how you taste food. Although it’s usually temporary, losing these senses can make eating and drinking less appealing at a time when your body needs nutrients to recover. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help you get relief sooner.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, visit us today! We’re open 7 days a week. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
Why The Flu Can Cause Loss of Smell or Taste
When you catch the flu (influenza), the virus attacks your respiratory system- particularly your nose, throat, and lungs. The body responds by sending immune cells to fight the infection, which causes inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages. Here’s how that leads to smell and taste changes:
- Nasal Congestion: When your nose is stuffy, air can’t reach the olfactory receptors in the upper part of your nasal cavity, making it harder to smell.
- Inflamed Sinuses: Sinus pressure and mucus buildup can dull your sense of smell.
- Reduced Smell, Reduced Taste: Because your sense of taste is strongly linked to your ability to smell, food may seem bland or tasteless when your nose is congested.
- Postnasal Drip or Sore Throat: Mucus and throat irritation can also affect how flavors are perceived.
Unlike COVID-19 related smell or taste loss, which can occur suddenly and without congestion, flu-related changes are almost always tied to nasal symptoms and improve as your sinuses clear.
How Long Do Smell and Taste Changes Last?
For most adults, loss of smell or taste from the flu lasts a few days to a week, often resolving as congestion improves. Once inflammation in the nasal passages subsides, the olfactory receptors can function normally again. However, recovery time can vary depending on the severity of your congestion or sinus inflammation, whether you have other conditions like chronic sinusitis or allergies, and how quickly you begin treating your flu symptoms. If your smell or taste doesn’t return after 2 weeks or worsens over time, it may indicate lingering sinus inflammation, a secondary infection, or another underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.
Other Possible Causes of Smell and Taste Loss During Illness
While the flu is a common culprit, other infections or conditions can cause similar symptoms, including:
- Common cold or sinus infection
- COVID-19 (known for sudden smell/taste loss without congestion)
- Allergies
- Nasal polyps or chronic sinus inflammation
- Certain medications (like antihistamines or antibiotics)
If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, visiting an urgent care center can help confirm whether the flu is the cause or if another illness is to blame. A medical provider can perform a flu test to confirm infection and rule out other causes. If necessary, they may prescribe antiviral medication, decongestants, or nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and help restore your senses more quickly.
Get Same-Day Flu Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
Yes, the flu can cause temporary loss of smell or taste, primarily due to nasal congestion and sinus inflammation. These symptoms typically resolve within a week but can linger if your sinuses remain irritated. If your smell or taste doesn’t return after a couple of weeks, or if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are from the flu or another illness, visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek for fast testing and treatment. Our medical team can help you recover comfortably and safely, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and provides immediate and preventive care to patients of all ages. If you have any additional questions about flu testing or treatment, please call to speak with us directly at (303) 692-8000.
