Long COVID is a condition of new, recurring, or ongoing health problems that people experience after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Many people with COVID-19 improve within a few days to a few weeks after infection. Long COVID could be identified after 4 weeks of COVID infection. There is no test that determines whether symptoms or conditions are due to COVID-19. To determine if you have long COVID, your healthcare provider will make a diagnosis based on your medical history.
Experiencing long COVID can be confusing and frustrating. If you care for someone with long COVID, you know they may feel isolated, depressed, and even angry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is running a campaign called “CDC's How Right Now campaign,” which provides information with helpful tools to navigate conversations about the types of supports someone with long COVID may need. Here are some examples that might help you and your loved ones.
- Listen compassionately.
The unknown and long-lasting nature of long COVID can cause stress. Taking steps to understand the person's experience could make them feel less isolated.
What to do:
- As you listen, make comments that acknowledge and validate what they are going through.
- Get tips on how to communicate compassionately while listening to their experiences.
- Start a conversation to understand.
Support may be different for different people. To better understand what type of support a person needs, start by asking them to talk and ask questions about their experiences.
What to do:
- When having these conversations, start with an open-ended question, such as “How are you doing these days?” Then she works to narrow down what you can do to help.
- After taking time to compassionately listen to their responses, ask them directly what they need or what you can do to help.
- Determine how you can help with what they need.
After you have listened and worked to understand what support looks like for the person, determine your role in that support.
- Some people may want someone to listen to their experiences more often.
- Others may need more physical support (help with housework and running errands).
There will be times when you may not be able to support a person exactly how they need it, and it's okay to recognize that. Just be direct in saying what you can and cannot do.
For example:
- I understand that you need help buying groceries because you don't feel like going shopping. I don't have a car, but I can recommend the delivery service I use.
Caring for people with long COVID requires a compassionate and adaptive approach. As we navigate the difficulties of this long-term illness, it is essential to recognize and respond to everyone's unique needs. By practicing empathetic listening, starting open conversations, and offering practical support, we can help ease their burden and promote resilience. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by long COVID.
Source: Living with Long COVID
Source: How Right Now