To take a few more days before returning to work after Covid?

[Lis1992]

So I’m out of my ‘official’ five day isolation period. Due back to work tmro. I’m feeling a lot better but still have some sinus congestion and sporadic cough, which I know can linger. Chest and back very sore from left over coughing. Would you go back tmro? Maybe Wednesday go build my strength back again? But I feel awful missing work when I’m out of my contagious period. Any advice?! Thanks!

Yes, I’d take painkillers and go back.

i would go back… although are you definitely no longer contagious? I’d take a LF if you have any.

What is your employers sickness policy? Can you take 7 days uncertified - if so, take them and then go back to work.

No, I think you should have another 2 days getting your strength back and go back to work more refreshed on Wednesday. 2 more days will make all the difference to your recovery. You're still sore from coughing and your sinuses are a nuisance so take it easy.

What type of job do you do, is it physical work or sitting down mainly? If it's a desk job you'd be far better getting out for some brisk walks in the fresh for the next 2 days. If it's a physical job that involves lifting etc then be careful until your sore back has healed.

Is work short staffed or can they manage for another 2 days without you? Do they value staff properly or do they want them to rush back asap?

@CityCommuter Thank you. I’m a teacher.

If you're still unwell (not well enough to do your job) then stay off.

If you feel too unwell for work then stay home. It doesn’t matter what the cause is.

I wasn’t very ill at all with Covid. I had a cold in July that turned into a sinus infection and I was absolutely ruined.

It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

@archimedesconstant that’s a good idea. I’m so careful not to spread anything so I’d be happy to test. Only thing is , apparently we don’t test now to leave isolation as it can show virus when not contagious?

The trouble is if you still feel rubbish and run down you are more likely to catch something else especially if you are a teacher.

I’d take two more days off so you can recover regardless of being out of infection period. Hope you feel better soon.

Teaching is not a ‘sit down and crack on’ job. If I’m not feeling great I can knuckle down and do some boring shit. If you still feel fragile you could just end up relapsing.

Take more time and fully recover. I know it's hard this time of year (I am also a teacher). But I tried to keep going (never liked even taking a day off sick) in 2020 when I got covid.

3 years later, I still have long covid and am completely housebound. Please look after yourself. (I wasn't even that seriously unwell with covid and now my whole life has changed.)

@Sunflowers82 I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s dreadful you poor thing. I also had Covid in 2020 and ended up out of work for weeks. I had it in 2021 too but was back a few days after isolation period. You’re right I’m feeling so bad about the timing, but there really is nothing can be done is there! I hope you’re minding yourself and steadily improving. Getting the support you need too.