How to answer questions about spouse's health (long Covid)?

"She's hanging in there."

Anything beyond that, just say, "It"s taking longer than we had hoped."

Remember, you're not on the witness stand and under oath. It's really none of their business.

Thanks for asking, doing our best then don't say anything else,Change subject.

Tell them what you told us and then thank them for asking.

I think I'd distinguish between friends and acquaintances. The first might really care, and even be kind and helpful. The second is in a more superficial mode. You can also just follow how you feel at the moment--sometimes you might feel more connected, other times less. In my experience, although people can be annoying or insensitive at times, most adults have experience with illness and suffering and can be surprisingly supportive.

@tim1028 Friends who have known you and your wife in healthier times, and know her situation now, probably have her health at heart, and get a more detailed answer. "She has good days and bad, and thanks so much for asking after her. I'll let her know your concern!"

Acquaintances who are asking because they don't see her with you much anymore, or don't know the full situation, can be answered, "She's doing her best, Thanks for asking! I'll let her know."

I know this first hand. Where I used to accompany my husband most of the time, that is no longer the case. My health overall has declined, and there is simply not the energy to pursue all we did together. His response when asked is based on who is asking after me. Friends know of my cancer fight, and kidney issues. We focus on the positive, noting the things I can do, showing that I am fighting the good fight as much as possible.

And if someone is asking questions that show they are overstepping the boundaries, it's okay to gently turn the conversation another direction!

Best wishes for you wife, and you....
Ginger

I agree—it depends on who is asking and how YOU feel. My loved one has been battling Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (very similar to long COVID) for >25 years now. She has ups and downs and depending on who is asking and why, we give varying responses.

No one is really owed more than a civil response and many really just want that. People who know her better and have supported her through some of her roughest times prefer candor and we are more likely to share more with them, as she is. Wishing you and your spouse the best in navigating this challenging time.