14/01/2022

Long Covid…

Covid-19 has been a part of our lives since 2019, and for some people, it has left lasting effects. An estimated 1.3 million people in the UK are experiencing Long Covid symptoms...

So, what is Long Covid?

Let’s get technical – ‘Long Covid’ is an informal term used to describe ongoing symptoms after contracting Covid-19. Depending on how long the symptoms have been going on, it can now be categorized into one of two conditions:

· Ongoing Symptomatic Covid

This is where symptoms last longer than 4 weeks.

· Post Covid Syndrome

This is where symptoms last for 12 weeks or more.

The symptoms of Long Covid can be debilitating, the most reported symptom being fatigue, closely followed by change in taste and smell as well as:

· Depression

· Anxiety

· Headaches

· Shortness of breath and Respiratory issues

· Diarrhea

· Skin Rashes

· Difficulty Concentrating

Living with these symptoms can have a big impact on someone’s day to day life. 20% of people with Long Covid state that their symptoms affect their ability to undertake daily tasks.

So, why are people getting Long Covid?

In short, nobody knows right now. As Covid-19 itself is still in its infancy as a disease, the lack of available research & the multiple symptoms makes the cause hard to pin down.

Although, a study published by the National Health Institute for Health Research said that Long Covid could be a combination of four different symptoms affecting the body at the same time.

Is Long Covid considered a disability? –

The Equality Act 2010 outlines that someone has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long term’ adverse effect on the ability to carry out day to day activities.

Now, there has been no official Employment Tribunal ruling and as Covid-19 is still evolving by the day, there is no official definitive answer as to if Long Covid can be categorized as a disability by default.

Although, someone suffering from Long Covid can be living with physical impairment (depending on the extremity of their symptoms) with long term effects – falling into the outlines of having a disability.

This means that those who live with Long Covid that impacts how they manage day to day activities – may be eligible for support.

If you or someone you know is living with Long Covid, please get in touch, we would love to chat.

You can contact us at:

[email protected]

+44 7857 005448

Or Contact us