Quantitative studies of long COVID describe its epidemiology and clinical characteristics, whereas less is known about the subjective experiences of individuals with long COVID. The aim of the study was to examine how individuals experience living with long COVID, including symptoms, their impact on everyday life, responses from the social environment, and forms of support. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was employed. The study included 15 adults who reported experiencing symptoms for at least two months following COVID-19. The interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, which identified four central themes: symptoms, the impact of symptoms on functioning, responses to the condition, and help and support. Participants reported diverse and often cyclical symptoms (e.g., fatigue, cognitive difficulties, pain, sensory changes), which varied in duration and intensity. These symptoms had a significant impact on everyday functioning, including work capacity, daily tasks, and leisure activities. We identified participants’ psychological processes in response to the condition (questioning, adaptation, psychological distress), as well as responses from the social environment, which ranged from understanding and support to scepticism or minimisation of their difficulties. The theme of received and desired help and support included various actors from whom participants sought or received assistance, including professionals, family members, friends, and the broader social environment. The results indicate that long COVID is a complex biopsychosocial condition affecting various aspects of individuals’ lives. The diversity and unpredictability of symptoms, together with responses from the social environment, may increase psychological distress and hinder adaptation. The study highlights the need for multidisciplinary care, as well as greater understanding of and support for individuals with long COVID in healthcare, workplace, and social settings.
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