Post-viral fatigue and returning to work after COVID-19 for example

Are you experiencing post-COVID viral fatigue and concerned about the impact returning to work may have on your recovery?

Even though your initial symptoms have passed, you might feel that it is necessary to take longer off work because of the fatigue you are experiencing. As specialists in the fatigue field, we wanted to offer our reflections and advice on how to return to work in a way that supports your recovery.

Increase activity gradually - including work

As we have noted in our previous blog the key principle is to increase your activity in a gradual way. This is equally important when you are ready to return to work. You don’t have to ‘disclose’ information about your health, but working with your employer in a collaborative and flexible way can help you agree on an approach that makes your return more likely to be reliable and sustainable.

A return to work pathway

It can be helpful to have considered a ‘return to work pathway’ as a starting point to these discussions. Spend some time reflecting on the aspects of your job that you think will be the most fatiguing and make a note of them. What does your job need you to do that would increase your fatigue at the moment? For some people it might be the number of Zoom meetings they have to attend; for others it might be that they work in a shop and are on their feet all the time; or having to travel during the rush hour.

Then think about what would help you manage these challenges. Could your shift start earlier or later to avoid traffic? Could a stool be provided? Could some of your duties be adjusted? If you are working remotely could you schedule regular breaks away from your computer? It is important at this stage to start gradually, stopping before you get tired, and interspersing different types of activity.

Clearly each job will have a different range of challenges and solutions, and asking for a gradual return or changes within the job can evoke a range of emotions in people. Some people may feel guilty, or worry that they will be seen as making a fuss. Remember that you are asking for temporary changes to help you manage your fatigue whilst you continue to recover. Enabling you to do a ‘phased return’ so you can build up your capacity slowly will have longer-term benefits, as the recovery is likely to be steady. If a return is rushed it can risk a relapse occurring from doing too much too soon. 

A phased return & temporary flexible working

The idea of approaching even the most sympathetic employer can feel daunting, but many organisations already have policies and procedures in place to support a phased return to work after long term absence. If you are worried about asking for support look at your ‘Sickness or Absence Management’, ‘Health and Safety’, and ‘Flexible Working’ policies. It may be that there are procedures in place that will help inform the discussions you have with your employer. You can also go back to your GP and discuss a ‘fit note’. These replaced sick notes in 2010. Instead of saying that you are too sick to work, they have a section that says that you might be able to return to work with adjustments and/or reduced hours. Use the same solution-focused approach outlined above to help your doctor understand what challenges you face and what would help you. Although the ‘fit for work assessment service’ has ended there is still useful information on their blog. It is important to understand that a ‘fit note’ is for guidance only and an employer doesn’t have to make the changes described, but alongside the policies and procedures, it can help your employer understand how to best help you. These can also counter an employer’s concern about setting a precedent for making changes.

Recovery from post-viral fatigue

Finally, it is important to remember that post-viral fatigue can be improved. It can, however, take many months to recover fully. This does not mean that you are going to develop longer-term fatigue or be diagnosed with CFS/ME. If your fatigue symptoms are not improving (after 4 months) and are interfering with your capacity to carry out normal day-to-day activities including working, then we recommend that you visit your GP for further tests.

Written by Amanda Mason, Specialist Careers Consultant for those with long term health conditions