Long covid is a state after the acute phase of covid-19 in which symptoms linger for a longer period of time. It presents a challenge in adaptations for the patients, because of the intertwining of both physical and psychological symptoms. Our aim in conducting this qualitative study was to research the experiences and challenges of patients. There were 15 participants who all fell ill with covid-19 and have after a minimum of two months experienced symptoms synonymous with post-covid states. The main areas with regard to long covid proved to be the following: symptoms, the impact of symptoms, responses to long covid, and received and needed help. The statements of the participants indicate a variety of symptoms, which have varying degrees of influence on the daily functions of individuals and their well-being. The participants report that they received a lot of help both from their relatives and from health professionals, but that some of their needs remain unaddressed, especially on the matter of diagnostics, as adequate or new diagnostics are needed to clearly confirm the origins of malaise and indicate the correct course of treatment and recovery from the long covid. This would allow an easier return to the affected people’s state before the onset of long covid.
|
