NHS tells Brits to 'train' their nose if they've got one Covid-19 symptom

For many who’ve been struck by Covid, a lingering loss of smell or taste is all too familiar. This aggravating symptom typically lasts between one and three weeks, though some people may have it for even longer.

Luckily, Scotland’s NHS Inform might have an answer to speed up the recovery of your senses: a simple yet seemingly odd practice known as smell training. According to the experts on their website “Smell training means regularly smelling different things to relearn them.

“It can help some people get their sense of smell back. If you can smell the difference between two different things, smell training may help you.” This technique involves daily exposure to a variety of scents and logging any improvement, whether it be a favourite aftershave, the aroma of coffee, lemon zest, or even essential oils.

Between each scent, a five-minute interval is recommended for optimal effectiveness, guidance provided by FifthSense states.

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“Smell train at least twice every day, ideally morning and evening – some items can be sealed in the jar (such as nutmeg or coffee) and used again. Some you will need to refresh each day (lemon/orange rind),” their advice reads. “If you cannot smell anything at first then do not be disheartened.”

The experts advice comes just a month after Brits were warned of a new ‘XEC Covid variant’, with a sore throat, cough, fever and nausea among its most common symptoms, according to US-based scientists. While the UKHSA Deputy Director, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, previously told The Express that it’s normal for viruses to change with time.

In September, she said: “It is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time. UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK and internationally, and to publish our data regularly.

“Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from COVID -19, and we urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.”