Navigating Conversations About Long COVID: How to Answer the “How Are You?” Question (Without Sounding Miserable)
If you’re living with long COVID, you’ve probably been asked “How are you?” more times than you can count. It’s a well-meaning question, but sometimes it feels more like an endurance test. How do you answer when you’re not feeling great but don’t want to sound like a walking disaster? Here are some responses I’ve used, along with a few I’m still tinkering with. Feel free to pinch one next time you’re faced with the dreaded inquiry!
1. When a Friend Asks: “Thanks for Asking, I’m Doing Okay… Sort of.”
Ah, friends. The ones who know you well enough to spot when you’re not at your best. With them, you can afford to be a little more real—without diving into full-on misery.
Response:
“Thanks for asking! I’m doing okay… sort of. It’s a bit up and down at the moment, but I’m surviving!”
This response lets your friend know you’re not bouncing off the walls with energy, but you’re still standing. Plus, it keeps the conversation light without oversharing.
2. When a Family Member Asks: “I’m Here, But It’s Been a Tough One Today.”
Family members often expect you to say you’re fine, but we all know that’s not always the case. A gentle, honest answer can let them know you’re doing your best—even if you’re not at 100%.
Response:
“I’m here! But honestly, it’s been a tough one today. Just taking it one step at a time.”
This tells them you’re not pretending to be okay, but you’re still hanging in there—like a trooper. Plus, it might prompt them to offer some help, which is always a win.
3. When an Acquaintance Asks: “I’m Getting By, Thanks for Asking!”
The casual “How are you?” from acquaintances doesn’t usually require a detailed response. Keep it light, and you’re all good.
Response:
“I’m getting by, thanks for asking!”
Short and sweet, this one’s perfect for when you don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty. It’s polite, but it doesn’t invite more questions.
4. When a Colleague Asks: “I’m Managing, Just Taking It Day by Day.”
At work, you don’t need to overshare. Keep it professional and straightforward while still acknowledging your situation.
Response:
“I’m managing, just taking it day by day.”
This signals that you’re doing your best, but you may not be operating at full throttle. It also shows you’re still committed to your work without delving into medical details.
5. When a Doctor Asks: “I’m Here for the Check-Up, But It’s Been a Challenge.”
When you’re in the doctor’s office, honesty is the best policy. Your healthcare team needs to know what’s going on so they can provide the best care possible.
Response:
“I’m here for the consultation, but it’s been a challenge lately.”
This keeps the focus on your symptoms and ensures your doctor knows what you’re dealing with. It’s also a reminder that while long COVID might not always be visible, it can be quite the challenge.
Conclusion: It’s Okay to Be Honest, But You Don’t Have to Over-Explain
How you answer the “How are you?” question is entirely up to you. Sometimes you may want to open up, and other times, you might prefer to keep it simple. The goal is to strike a balance between being truthful and polite, while also keeping the conversation manageable.
Remember, you’re doing your best. And if you need to vent about the “How are you?” question, you’re not alone—share your thoughts in the comments! Your experience may help someone else in the same boat.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If you’re struggling with long COVID, please consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and support.
Long Covid Journey 