Post Covid-19 Syndrome
Never have so many employees been off work as in this pandemic.
Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection, consistent with Covid 19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time affecting any system in the body
Listening to and affirming employees’ story “I believe you”.
Empathy and Support.
Understanding health limitations.
Recommendations, advice and guidance from OH.
‘Work hardening programmes’.
Pacing work.
Ms J returned work in Easter 2021; with all support her return was successful.
Post Covid-19 Syndrome
Never since records began, have so many employees been off work as in this pandemic.
Post covid 19 syndrome in a teacher working in a large Secondary School Academy.
Ms J was a 42-year-old, very experienced and long serving teacher of geography and philosophical studies. She reported being an ordinarily healthy individual; with no underlying condition, no history of serious illness/injury and no history of mental illness. For fun Ms J ran marathons and supported youngsters outside of school with physical activities. In August 2020 she was diagnosed with covid 19, hospitalised, requiring oxygen therapy and Intensive Care. Ms J recovered well and discharged home where rehabilitation continued. Eager to return to work it soon became apparent she was not going to make the September Term.
Never since records began, have so many employees been off work as in this pandemic.
Months passed, Occupational health invited in to advise on a return to work, a home visit was carried out within the covid restrictions. Recovery times for individuals vary enormously with post covid 19 syndrome, (often called Long Covid). Ms J, although eager to return to work was still experiencing debilitating symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, ‘brain fog’ and generalised pain; low mood and depression were also creeping in; individuals with these symptoms often sense they are not believed; adding to their distress.
Clinical Definitions: (NICE)
- Acute COVID 19 – Signs and symptoms of Covid 19 for up to 4 weeks
- On going Symptomatic COVID 19 – Signs and Symptoms of covid 19 from 4, up to 12 weeks
- Post-COVID 19 Syndrome – Signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection, consistent with Covid 19, continue for more than 12 weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It usually presents with clusters of symptoms, often overlapping, which can fluctuate and change over time affecting any system in the body
8 months post diagnosis Ms J was in the post covid syndrome category but improving every day. Occupational Health provided a comprehensive report for her employer with recommendations regarding a return to work with focus on:
- Listening to and affirming employees’ story “I believe you
- Empathy and Support
- Understanding health limitations
- Recommendations, advice and guidance from OH
- ‘Work hardening programmes’
- Pacing work
- Ms J returned work in Easter 2021; with all support her return was successful.