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Nowadays, most people who contract COVID-19 will feel better within a few days or weeks after their first symptoms appear and usually make a full recovery within four weeks. However, for some, the symptoms persist. When this happens, the condition becomes known as long COVID-19…

While more research is being done into the causes and symptoms, long COVID-19 is also known as: 

  1. Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 — This is when the symptoms persist beyond four weeks from the initial infection date.
  2. Post-COVID-19 syndrome —  This is when the symptoms persist beyond 12 weeks from the initial infection date.

What are the symptoms of long COVID? 

Tired student doing homework at home sitting outdoor with school books and newspaper. Boy weary due to heavy study. Kid asleep on the copybook after long tasks. Youth, education and fatigue concept.

It may be hard to identify if symptoms are due to COVID-19 or another cause, such as the flu or a pre-existing medical condition. It’s also not clear if long COVID symptoms are new and unique to COVID-19.

Some symptoms are reportedly similar to those caused by chronic fatigue syndrome and other chronic illnesses that develop after infections. Hence long COVID is a condition that continues to undergo intense research conducted by medical and health professionals.

From research and reported long COVID cases, the most common symptoms include:

  • Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of smell
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle aches

Other reported symptoms following a COVID-19 infection include:

  • Problems with memory and concentration (“brain fog”)
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness
  • Pins and needles
  • Joint pain
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Tinnitus, earaches
  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • A high temperature
  • Persistent cough
  • Headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Changes to sense of smell or taste
  • Rashes

You should contact your GP if you are worried about any ongoing COVID-19 symptoms beyond four weeks after the initial infection date or if you think you may have had COVID-19.

What employees should do if diagnosed with long COVID

Young male student preparing for exams at home

Many employees are reluctant to inform their employer they are suffering from long COVID for fear of punitive action being taken against them. Whilst it is not compulsory for employees to inform their employer of the medical diagnosis at work, it is advisable that employees do inform their manager of the diagnosis so that reasonable adjustments and support can be provided, including:

1) Protection from possible discrimination.
2) The development of an agreed level of attendance at work.

If the employee is not at work, their employer should remain in contact with them but not pressure them to return to work or work from home whilst being unwell.

What employers should do if an employee is suffering from long COVID

Headache and Depression. Tired Depressed Man

If an employer learns that an employee is suffering from long COVID and is unable to work, they should first talk to the individual to learn if the organisation can do anything to help. 

At the base level, employers must apply the same considerations to employees with long COVID as they would to those with any type of long-term medical condition. This means making sure they have in place comprehensive policies governing absenteeism, illness and long-term sick leave.

Managing an employee’s absence due to a long-term illness is a balance between the needs of the organisation and the needs of the individual. If an employer is aware that an employee is suffering from long COVID, the organisation should provide reasonable support to the employee and work with them to discuss an appropriate level of work, any downtime that is required, and any adjustments the employee may need to make in their role whilst they recover.

With the employee’s permission, communicating their challenges to the wider team will ensure every team member rally to cover any gaps at work whilst offering some much-needed camaraderie to one another.

A working example

Darren noticed severe tiredness and body aches and pain since having COVID-19 some weeks ago. He went to see his treating doctor who diagnosed him with long COVID. Despite this, Darren was keen and ready to return to work but worried about working full-time and how it may impact his recovery.

In response to Darren’s concern, his employer examined his workload and was able to allocate some of Darren’s work to other team members, thus enabling Darren to return to work on a part-time basis. The employer and Darren agreed to a date in the near future to review this arrangement.

When an employee feels able to return to work

Feeling tired after studying online all day. Young afro american woman massaging neck and relaxing after long computer work at her workplace at home

Employers should keep in touch with their employee and discuss with them any support they may need prior to returning to work. This may involve getting an occupational health assessment or making changes to the workplace or how the employee works, such as different work hours or working from home.

Employers should communicate with the employee and develop a Return to Work/Recovery at Work Plan. The following relevant topics should be discussed in the plan:

  • Alterations to work hours and/or bookings
  • Alterations to workload
  • Taking regular breaks
  • Additional support and supervision
  • Time off for healthcare appointments
  • Phased return to work and option for working from home
  • Equipment adjustments
  • Counselling

It is reported the effects of long COVID for many people fluctuate – they may feel good some days whilst on other days they may not feel as good. This uncertainty as to how long the symptoms may last causes a great deal of angst for some people. Employers should ensure they take proactive steps to support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing in general, particularly if they are suffering from long COVID.

Care Anytime Anywhere

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