Some people may find that they need to change their relationship to work or school as they manage the symptoms of long COVID and find the services and support they need for their recovery. This might mean taking time away from work/school or exploring possible accommodations to make one’s job or studies more manageable.

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Signs you may need to make some changes

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If you are currently working or in school, here are some signs that you may need to make changes:

• You are pushing through symptoms to complete the work or school day and needing entire evenings and/or weekends to recover.

• You are frequently missing deadlines or making errors you do not normally make. At work, your productivity is declining. At school, your grades are going down. 

• You are needing to take frequent sick days from work, or you are missing classes due to symptom flare-ups.

 

If you cannot work right now but you need to re-enter the workforce, here are some signs you may need additional support:

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• You are not able to manage basic daily needs (such as preparing meals or showering).

• You experience a consistently high level of symptoms, or you find that your symptoms get worse over time.

 

According to the World Health Organization, it is best for people with long COVID to be able to self-manage their energy at home before they start (or return) to work. Returning too early can make symptoms worse or come back, resulting in more difficulties at work.

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If you notice the signs that you may need to make some changes or find additional support, the first step is to discuss this with your primary care provider or visit a walk-in clinic. They may be able to provide you with further direction and any medical documentation you will need.

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Find out what supports are available

If you are currently working or in school but you are struggling:

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• At work, you can learn about what supports are available by asking a trusted employer or human resources (HR) department, your private insurance, union, or income assistance programs. 

• If you are a student, you can access additional support through your educational institution, such as the student disability support centre (or its equivalent), an academic advisor, or a trusted instructor.

• Social workers may also be able to provide support around insurance or disability documentation, finding financial supports, connecting to low or no cost counselling, and other services and programs that may be available. See your provincial Resources topic in this My Guide under “Accessing Health Services” for ways to find and connect with a social worker.

• Please note that you are not required to disclose any personal information at this time. At this stage, you do not have to let your employer or school know about your health condition. You can inquire about support options in a more general manner.

 

If you need to work but cannot and need income:

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• You may consider applying for disability benefits and claims. See the “Finances and Return-to-Work” section of your provincial/territory Resources in this My Guide for information on benefits available and how to apply for them.

• See also “When you no longer have a job but need income” section later in this topic.