How long were you off work with Covid/flu

[feelingpoorly83]

I am now into my 4th week of feeling dreadful. I tested positive for Covid (I test because I work in healthcare with pts undergoing chemo). This will be my 4th week off but I still feel poorly. Going to see Gp today for some observations but I feel really awful on work, who are busy, but I don't want to rush back when I still feel like I'm not able to.

How long did you have off with Covid and will Gp prescribe a sick note. I feel really guilty being off and asking for a sick note.

Please don't feel bad/guilty. Viruses affect us all differently as I'm sure you know as a healthcare professional so even if you get a load of replies saying people were fine after 2 days and running a marathon after a week that doesn't mean you're skiving or weak to still be rough. Personally with my bad bout of Covid (I've actually had it twice but second time much milder) I was off work for a week but felt pretty ropey and fatigued for 2-3 weeks after that, I was lucky I could work from home and was just about well enough to do so but no way was I ready to be on a ward dispensing risky medications and affecting people's lives after a week, if you are sick and actively infectious the only responsible thing to do is stay off until you're better, I'm sure the GP won't hesitate to give you a sick note... If it makes you feel better I did gradually get better from about 2.5 weeks onwards and did make a full recovery, no long lasting ill effects!

I honestly think this latest strain is lingering for a while (my doctor said the same). I didn’t test for Covid but I tend to get horrific fatigue as my main symptom. No cold symptoms. It’s taken me 6 weeks to come through it. I made myself worse by trying to work and walk the dog. (I work part time but physical job, self employed).

I haven’t had so much as a sniffle for a year so not normally prone to things lasting this long. Take the time you need.

Last time I had Covid I was fine after a week. Each strain is so different.