People keep asking how DH is and I have nothing positive to say.

[Toorapid]

He's been in hospital for weeks, prognosis is not good and getting worse.

Lovely, well meaning people keep asking how he is and I feel terribly negative when the best I can manage is "not so good". Then no one knows what to say next or how to end the conversation.

What's a better way to handle this?

Is there anyone who can filter the calls for you? You may need to be quite blunt, hat you will update as and when there is any news and you have the opportunity.

I’m so sorry to hear that, @Toorapid

Please though, be honest with people. They’re asking because they care. Especially friends and family, they will genuinely want to help in any way they can.

If you really struggle with this (particularly with acquaintances) you could say “oh, thank you for asking. Unfortunately he’s not doing so well. How are you getting on with X, Y or Z?” At least you’re able to answer and then steer the converse in another direction.

It's not calls so much, those people tend to use text, but when I bump into people out and about. Like my lovely elderly neighbour this morning. I thought he was going to cry

I’m sorry OP this must be very hard for you.

I think it helps to reframe what is ultimately a stupid question (assuming they know the situation) by ignoring the question itself and seeing it for what it is at its most basic, an attempt to let you know they are thinking of you.

With that in mind I’d respond “thank you for asking, it means a lot that you’re thinking of us both. He’s not well and the prognosis is poor, but I appreciate your message and support.”

You have enough on your plate without managing other people's emotions.