Long COVID-19 (PASC) is a medical condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection in which symptoms persist after the acute phase of the disease and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The symptoms are diverse and can affect various areas of life for those with PASC. Serious/chronic illness can also affect the health and well-being of other family members. This study aimed to describe the psychological symptoms of PASC and examine its consequences for the functional ability and quality of life of individuals with PASC, as well as that of their significant others. We conducted interviews with significant others of individuals who were employed and had PASC. Significant others reported that their loved ones experienced symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive impairment. While some symptoms subsided within a few weeks or months, others persisted for several years. Significant others perceived negative emotional responses from their loved ones. The symptoms and emotional responses affected their loved ones' functional abilities in areas such as work, daily tasks, leisure activities and interpersonal relationships. Significant others responded to the symptoms, changed abilities of individuals with PASC, and their ways of coping with them with different, including negative, emotions and experienced greater burden. Individuals with PASC received medical treatment, as well as help and support from their significant others. The latter emphasised the importance of quality treatment, and some of them expressed a desire for professionals to help individuals with PASC cope with their experiences or changed abilities. Significant others received emotional and informational support, but some also reported a need for professional help in coping with PASC symptoms in their loved ones. This study provides insight into PASC from the perspective of significant others, and represents a step towards developing PASC treatment guidelines.
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