What to Say to Someone With COVID-19 to Show You Care

When a friend or family member shares they’ve tested positive for COVID-19, you may not know what to say. Your first instinct may be to ask if you’ve been exposed, or where they think they may have gotten it. 

While these might be valid questions, there are some other things you can say first to show that you genuinely care about how they’re doing. We asked the CaringBridge Facebook community to share how they’ve given or received support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read on for their ideas:

1. Ask how they’re feeling

Put their health at the forefront of the conversation. Check in with them regularly to see how their health is, and how they’re dealing with the symptoms. If you have also gone through COVID, you might share something that helped you feel better, whether it’s a type of tea or a funny series to binge watch.

2. Check in on how they’re doing emotionally

Physical symptoms are just one negative effect of the virus. The feelings of anxiety, loneliness and even shame can make it even more difficult to cope. Don’t be afraid to ask how their mental health is doing, and offer a listening ear should they need it.

Note: If your friend might benefit from professional help, consider asking if they’ve looked into online therapy. There are therapy apps that can connect them with a therapist efficiently, and get them the help they need.

3. Offer to bring what they need

Quarantining means 5-10+ days of remaining inside your home. This can make getting essentials like medicine and groceries highly inconvenient.  Add symptoms like fatigue or fever into the mix, and it’s even more difficult to get the energy to do online shopping, much less cook. 

Check in with your loved one to see if there’s anything you can bring them right away. If they can’t think of anything, perhaps offer a few ways you could help. Folks who have had COVID share some of the most helpful ways their community came through for them:

“Meals were dropped at the doorstep. All four of us in our family had it and were sick. But two adults still needed to function and feed the kids. It made it easier to not have to think about what to cook. Step drop made it safe for all.”

Tammie M.P.

“Anything to soothe your throat (many stores are out of the good stuff). Epsom salt. The best tissues. Vaseline or Aquaphor for a raw nose. Low sugar drinks with electrolytes. All the soups, pudding and Jell-O. A good book. Honey and green tea.”

Lacey M.

“We have been door dropping snacks, Gatorade, jigsaw puzzles, Tylenol, epsom salts for baths, and any other comfort items. We had it last December and people were so good to us.”

Amanda P. T.

4. Let them know you’re there for them

Having COVID can feel quite isolating, especially since you have to physically quarantine yourself from your loved ones. Let your friend or family member know that even if you can’t spend time together in person just yet, that you’re still there to chat if they get lonely. 

Find a good time to video chat or talk on the phone, if they’re feeling up to it. Seeing your face and hearing your voice will make them feel like they’re in the room with you, no matter how many miles you’re apart.

“My husband and I both had COVID at the same time. We were there for each other, giving each other support any way we could. Knowing you aren’t going through it alone got us both through it.”

Jennifer S.

5. Give them extra love

Those three little words, “I love you” can really brighten their day. Let them know you’re thinking of them, sending them good vibes and prayers, and that as soon as they’re feeling better you’ll be there. The most important thing is that you say something, and this is a good place to start. 

“Send lots of love and prayers. 🙏 💕 “

Rosalinda L. L.

Looking for more ways to help your community during the pandemic? Keep reading:

• 13 ways to support someone with COVID-19
• 5 inspirational quotes on finding hope during a pandemic
• 6 meaningful ways to give back to the community

Looking to read about other families in a similar situation?

• Long COVID Wish: ‘We Want to Go Back to Normal Life
• Mom’s Approach to Breast Cancer: Keep it Positive 
• Long-Haul Effects of COVID Will Not Take Her Breath Away
• COVID-19 Survivor: ‘I am Infused With an Unbelievable Sense of Gratitude’
• All COVID-19 Stories

What Are Your Ideas?

What words have you shared or received that have made your COVID-19 experience a little easier? Feel free to share your stories and ideas in the comments below.