Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
One of the many consequences of Covid-19 is its persistent relative, Long Covid.
Though a relatively new condition, it’s affecting a number of people who are suffering the aftermath of having the virus.
Figures from the ONS last year reveal that one in five people diagnosed with Covid-19 were experiencing symptoms that last for five weeks or longer. One in ten had symptoms that lasted 12 weeks or longer.
In September, Public Health England also published guidance around the long-term health effects of Covid-19. It highlighted that around ten per cent of those with mild coronavirus who weren’t admitted to hospital have reported symptoms lasting more than four weeks. A number of hospitalised cases reported continuing symptoms for eight weeks or more after discharge.
With Long Covid patients reporting that they can’t do what they used to – and many of them being of working age – this could pose challenges for employers.
We’re going to take a look at the effects of Long Covid and how you as an employer can better manage employees who have the condition.
What is Long Covid?
Long Covid (also known as post Covid-19 Syndrome) follows on from having Covid-19. It can bring wide-ranging