Advice re Shingles and job interview

[scrumbrum12]

Hi all
I have a job interview this week and am currently being treated for shingles (I think I had Covid prior to it as taste went weird but I never test positive) . The rash can be covered but the fatigue is like nothing I have ever experienced and I really don’t think I will be able to manage the commute and an in person interview. I will request a video call instead but I don’t know what to say as the reason - I’m already paranoid due to my age (although I look, act and usually feel much younger) and worried they may assume I’m not strong enough for the role (it’s a pastoral one in education). I know we all get ill and am probably worrying cos i feel so shite . I also am aware that not resting enough can lead to chronic fatigue but before having it myself didn’t realise that was a risk.
Any advice what reason to give?

Just tell the truth?

Ask for reasonable adjustments due to it. It is exhausting and you really shouldn't be out and about.

Do you feel well enough to do the actual interview? If so could someone drive you there?

I would suggest you just tell them you have shingles. Has the rash dried out? Advice is to stay off work otherwise as someone could catch chickenpox from you.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

I think everyone recognises shingles is really miserable. I’d just let them know you’re really keen on the role but unfortunately still recovering from an ill timed shingles infection, please could you interview by video call as you’d hate to spread it to anyone. No need to go into the nitty gritty of fatigue etc.

Tell the truth - you have shingles - anyone of any age can present with this ( if they have previously had chicken pox) so it’s no reflection on your age / health. Post viral fatigue is a common response to shingles / chicken pox etc. and it is not unreasonable to ask for adjustments to reflect your situation. Telling a lie will inevitably become convoluted and you will get caught out.

Thanks all, really helpful when my brain normt thinking straight

Well was honest , kept it brief, told them i couldn't attend in person and got back a “oh well look out for similar roles type response”. Maybe i should have asked for online instead but feel so rough today i dont think it would do have done me good recovery wise. Well obvs not meant to be but hard when really in need of work as self employed work failing due to various system/government changes.

Why have you abandoned it instead of just saying you have shingles? They may have been willing to rearrange.

I told them first thing today that I have shingles and therefore could I rearrange

I told them first thing today that I have shingles and could i rearrange

Go .... No matter how you feel. You aren't contagious and you won't get it with a video interview tbh. If I was interviewing it would out me off you as setting up online interviews is a pain and also I would wonder if you had a sickness issue, sorry but that's just being honest you are up against people that may also be ill but got in