It’s Not Just a Virus! Lived Experiences of People Diagnosed With COVID-19 Infection in Denmark

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of people infected with the coronavirus in Denmark during the first phase of the pandemic. An explorative qualitative design underpinned by a phenomenological hermeneutical approach was applied. Fifteen individuals with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included and interviewed individually by telephone. Analyses were inspired by Ricoeur’s interpretation theory. The study illuminated how being diagnosed with COVID-19 was experienced not just a virus infecting the participants’ biology; it was also a threat to their existence and bodily perception as well as an interference in ordinary social relationships. Beyond a supportive approach, the participants experienced being a special case where people around them acted with excitement and curiosity. Responsibility for existential and emotional care after COVID-19 has been placed with the individual ill person and within their ordinary social circle. We suggest follow-up and rehabilitation for people during and after COVID-19 to support recovery.

Collective Emotion During Collective Trauma: A Metaphor Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Given that participants described the virus as intentionally “evil,” “sinister,” and “deadly,” this framing of the pandemic as “danger” has considerable implications for how participants negotiate health experiences in which they perceive a lack of control (Missel et al, 2020). A person’s perceived sense of control is related to their overall happiness such that when they feel out of control, they experience less overall well-being (Larson, 1989).…”

“…Health researchers and practitioners have recognized the role of emotions in crafting effective public health messages not simply for influencing cognitive responses, but for directly motivating positive health behavior change outcomes (Biener et al, 2004; Dillard & Nabi, 2006). Health researchers seeking to develop and implement effective and ethical health messaging to foster positive health behaviors in the context of disease outbreaks should address the emotional complexities (e.g., the combination of multiple emotions) of the pandemic (Kloss & Bartsch, 2017; Missel et al, 2020).…”

“…Second, given the bodily, mental, and emotional consequences of the pandemic that are often obscured in biomedical approaches to health, public health practice focused on the biopsychosocial lifeworlds of patients is essential (Missel et al, 2020; Pfefferbaum & North, 2020). In line with recent research on lived experiences of people diagnosed with COVID-19 (Missel et al, 2020), the findings of this study reveal how people understand the pandemic as an embodied phenomenon that shapes complex perceptions of meanings of health, illness, and disease. Moreover, our findings’ metaphoric expression of emotion demonstrates that participants’ experiences of the pandemic are deeply subjective, sensed, and embodied.…”

The Meaning of Critical Illness for People Suffering From COVID-19: When a Frightening Unreality Becomes Reality

“…They felt fear and loneliness, as a frightening unreality had become a reality. In other words, as Missel et al (2021) state about the lived experiences of COVID-19 infection: "It's not just a virus! "…”

Coexisting Substance Use Disorder and Chronic Pain During COVID-19

“…Based upon ongoing and developing understanding of the virus and highly publicized death rates, people infected with COVID-19 face tremendous uncertainty and are confronted with their own mortality. Qualitative studies from around the world depict experiences of people with COVID-19 (Missel et al, 2021;Liu & Liu, 2021;Sahoo et al, 2020). Study participants described feeling overwhelming fatigue, loss of taste and smell, neuromuscular symptoms of body aches and headaches, loss of control, isolation, anger, shame and embarrassment, and anxiety (Roberts et al, 2021;Sahoo et al, 2020).…”