Taste and smell disturbances are hallmark symptoms of long COVID, affecting patients’ sensory experiences and quality of life. Some individuals may experience anosmia (loss of smell), ageusia (loss of taste), or dysgeusia (altered taste). These changes can persist for weeks or months after the initial infection. Management strategies include supportive measures, olfactory training, and addressing underlying inflammation or nerve damage to improve taste and smell function over time.
The persistence of loss of taste in long COVID underscores the sensory challenges faced by individuals on the road to recovery, highlighting the importance of tailored dietary support and ongoing research to address the diverse manifestations of post-acute sequelae.