Loss Of Smell, Taste Cases On Rise As Winter Viral Infections Grow Longer, More Intense

Last Updated:January 14, 2026, 10:17 IST

Doctors in Delhi report longer, intense winter respiratory illnesses with persistent cough and loss of taste and smell, urging prevention and caution against self-medication.

People have complained of persistent cough, sore throat, hoarseness of voice and extreme fatigue that often stretched well beyond a week or two. (Image: AI generated)

As winter grips several parts of the country, loss of smell and taste — a symptom many still associate with COVID-19 — is being reported after a bout of viral infection or seasonal cold and flu.

Clinicians say this winter’s wave of respiratory illness feels different from previous years. Infections are lasting longer, symptoms are more intense, and recovery is slower. Patients are complaining of persistent cough, sore throat, hoarseness of voice and extreme fatigue that often stretches well beyond a week or two. In some cases, people are experiencing repeated infections in a short span, adding to the overall burden on outpatient departments.

Doctors attribute the surge to a combination of prolonged cold weather, sudden fluctuations in temperature, poor air quality, reduced sunlight exposure and more time spent indoors in closed, poorly ventilated spaces — conditions that allow respiratory viruses to spread more easily and weaken the body’s natural defences.

Top symptoms

Doctors across hospitals told News18 that fever, throat irritation, runny or blocked nose, cough, body aches, and headaches remain the most common complaints this season, but the severity of weakness and fatigue is striking.

Dr Tushar Tayal, associate director, internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said: “The common symptoms that have been witnessed this season include fever, throat irritation, running nose or congestion, persistent cough, body aches, headaches, as well as extreme weakness. Many patients who came to seek medication reported extreme weakness, longer than those witnessed for a common cold."

He also flagged the re-emergence of loss of taste and smell, cautioning that while it can occur in viral infections, it should not be dismissed. “Loss of taste and smell has been reported in some cases; this is less typical of the flu and common cold viruses. While this may occur in some cases of other respiratory viruses, a loss of taste and smell indicates a possible COVID-19 infection if the level of illness is moderate to severe," he said.

Pulmonologists say nasal and sinus inflammation caused by seasonal viruses is contributing to these symptoms. Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, unit head and director, pulmonology at Fortis Faridabad, said, “Many patients are reporting loss of taste and smell. This is not only seen in COVID. Many seasonal viruses like flu and other respiratory viruses can cause swelling of the nose lining and the smell nerves, leading to temporary loss of smell and taste. In most cases it improves on its own within two to three weeks."

Jha said patients are also complaining of sinus heaviness and ear discomfort, along with dry cough that later becomes productive and pronounced tiredness.

Similarly, Dr Mohit Sharma from Amrita Hospital in Faridabad noted that “temporary loss or alteration of taste and scent is a noteworthy complaint that we are hearing more of this season."

“Many respiratory viruses can also result in nasal lining irritation and swelling. Taste and smell can momentarily fade when the smell receptors are impacted by viral inflammation or nasal congestion. Although it may take a few days to a few weeks, this is usually reversible and gets better as the illness subsides," he added.

Duration & Intensity of Illness

Infectious disease specialists say another key difference this year is the duration of illness.

Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant and head of infectious diseases at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, shared, “This year there is a surge in flu and other respiratory infections which are lasting more than usual with cough and respiratory symptoms persisting for more than a couple of weeks."

Adding to this, Dr Rajesh Kumar, associate director at Paras Health, Gurugram, said, “Compared to other years, viral infections appear slightly more intense this season, likely because the sudden drop in temperature and cold wave reduce immunity and increase vulnerability to infections."

Prevention, vigilance and when to see a doctor

Doctors stress that while most seasonal viral infections are self-limiting, prevention and early care are critical this winter, especially for vulnerable groups.

According to Dr Vijay Sharma, consultant, internal medicine at Regency Hospital, Gorakhpur, “Staying warm, protecting the throat, chest and feet is very much crucial. Maintaining good hygiene, avoid touching the face and covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing helps to limit transmission."

Sharma also warned people not to ignore red-flag symptoms. “People should never ignore the persistent fever, breathing difficulty, tightness of chest or prolonged loss of taste and smell, and should seek medical consultation if symptoms get more worsen or last beyond a few days," he said.

Doctors also caution against self-medication. Jha from Fortis added, “Simple precautions help a lot. Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places. Keep your nose and throat covered when going out in cold air. Wash hands frequently. Drink enough fluids and take proper rest. Do not take antibiotics without medical advice."

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