IntroductionMany people experience persistent or new-onset symptoms such as fatigue or cognitive problems after an acute infection with COVID-19. This phenomenon, known as long COVID, impacts physical and mental wellbeing, and may affect perceived quality of life and occupational perspectives likewise. The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how people with long COVID experience health-related restrictions in their daily life and their occupational situation, and to identify key challenges they face.MethodsGuided qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 people with long COVID. The interviews were transcribed according to Dresing/Pehl and Kuckartz and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Afterward, a systematic comparison of the data and a reflection under consideration of lifeworld-theoretical approaches (Berger and Luckmann) were carried out.ResultsThe interviews revealed that many participants have severe symptoms which strongly impair them in perform daily and work-related activities, and in their personal interests. Many interviewees already reach their stress limit during routine household activities or childcare. Of the 25 participants, 19 experienced limitations in pursuing leisure activities, and 10 of the 23 interviewees with jobs reported being on sick leave for several months. Several respondents who had vocational reintegration are still affected by ongoing symptoms that affect their work performance considerably. This leads to uncertainty, role conflicts, a decline in social contacts, and decreased incomes, which contribute to an impairment in their quality of life.ConclusionsThis study shows the huge need for specific support for people with long COVID in different areas of life. To prevent people with long COVID from finding themselves in social and economic precarity, decision-makers should develop strategies to systematically support them in their sustainable reintegration into the workforce. The focus should be on creating long COVID-sensitive workplaces, compensating for decreased incomes, and improving access to relief services such as vocational reintegration. We argue, that a shift of perspectives is necessary and that long COVID should be considered rather as a “social disease” with considerably impairments in the social life of those affected.Trial registrationThe study is registered in the German register for clinical trials (DRKS00026007).

Background Since its outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic has been discussed in various media channels. In Germany, state measures such as contact restrictions have been implemented to contain the incidence of infection. Nevertheless, there are many people who have been infected with the coronavirus and are affected by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or pain. How these people perceive pandemic-related coverage and state measures has not yet been adequately researched. Methods To address this gap, we conducted guided qualitative interviews with 25 adults with long COVID. The interviews were transcribed in terms of content-semantics and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results were then compared with other scientific findings. Results The interviews indicated a high approval of restrictive interventions to protect the public from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in this sample. About three-quarters of the participants rated the pandemic containment measures as appropriate. However, twelve of the 25 respondents were dissatisfied with the media coverage of the pandemic and protective measures. Besides inconsistent coverage, the discourse on coronavirus vaccination was specifically criticized. Several participants felt that the coverage of this issue was one-sided or noted a lack of government resolve. Furthermore, respondents criticized the repeal of state measures such as the mask obligation in Germany. Conclusions Overall, a need for more consideration of the concerns of people with long COVID in the public discourse on the pandemic becomes apparent. Part of an adapted communication strategy should be: (1) a transparent and target group-related information transfer on the newest findings and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) an increased presence of the topic, long COVID, in society through various media. Additionally, the relevant public bodies should expand their engagement in this field. Moreover, the findings ot this study could be used as a starting point for a debate on the long-term implementation of measures to protect vulnerable populations. Trial registration: The study is registered in the German register for clinical trials (DRKS00026007).

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