Eli5 as to why when one has a cold or the flu that your sense of taste doesn’t work?

Question

I currently have a cold and can’t taste or smell anything. Why does it happen?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Pinch your nose with your fingers do you can‘t breathe through it. No eat something, it won‘t be anywhere as strong in flavor as normally. Smelling and tasting are linked, so if you have a cold/flu your nose is having a hard time smelling -> things taste different