There is a risk of damage to the olfactory nerve when a viral cold develops. Colds are caused by viral infections and mainly manifest symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fever, headache, and aching limbs. If loss of smell occurs in colds, it may be related to decreased sense of smell due to congestion and edema obstruction of the nasal mucosa caused by respiratory viruses, or caused by a decrease in the number of olfactory neurons and damage to neurons due to viruses. Loss of sense of smell caused by colds, if related to nasal mucosal congestion and edema, can be restored by itself after the cold gets better. If it is related to virus-induced neuronal damage, it is necessary to consult a doctor in time, and medication should be given under the doctor’s guidance. Damage to the olfactory nerve can also be caused by other diseases. If loss of sense of smell occurs, it is necessary to go to the hospital in time for treatment under the guidance of a doctor to prevent further aggravation of the disease.