Long Covid patients face challenges in returning back to work

The global pandemic caused by Covid-19 has not only taken a toll on the physical health of individuals but also has long-term effects on those who have recovered from the acute phase of the illness. Long Covid, a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms for more than six months after the acute phase, has become a growing concern for workers looking to return to their normal routine. As South Africa grapples with rising Covid-19 cases, the challenges faced by long Covid patients in returning to work are becoming more apparent. Professor Renata Schoeman, Head of the Health Care Leadership MBA program at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, shed light on the issue in a recent interview on CNBC Africa. She explained that long Covid presents a range of symptoms such as brain fog, severe fatigue, and ongoing shortness of breath, which can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform at work. One of the key challenges identified in a study of nearly 4,000 individuals who had recovered from acute Covid-19 is that up to 45% of them experienced difficulties working, with some only able to work at 50% of their capacity. Additionally, around 22% of individuals were unable to work at all after 90 days of recovering from the acute phase. This poses a significant challenge for both employees and employers as organizations struggle to support workers returning to work while ensuring productivity. Furthermore, the lack of recognition and understanding of long Covid poses a barrier for individuals seeking support in the workplace. Professor Schoeman highlighted three main reasons for this lack of recognition: the need for longer research periods to gather evidence-based information, the absence of industry-wide policies and guidelines, and the fear of potential abuse of flexible work arrangements by employees. While employers may find it challenging to accommodate individuals with long Covid due to economic constraints and the need for full productivity, Professor Schoeman emphasized the importance of long-term planning and retraining to retain skilled workers. She recommended a phased approach to support employees with long Covid, starting with initial discussions about symptoms and possible accommodations in the second month of returning to work. In cases where symptoms persist into the third month, a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals and occupational therapists is essential to facilitate the integration of the individual back into the workforce. However, despite these recommendations, the government's role in recognizing and addressing long Covid remains unclear. As the number of long Covid cases continues to rise, it is crucial for organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to collaborate in developing comprehensive strategies to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of long Covid patients into the workforce. By raising awareness, implementing supportive policies, and fostering a culture of understanding, the challenges faced by long Covid patients in returning to work can be effectively addressed.