'Mass disabling event': Long COVID is hitting Australian workplaces
Broadcast for ABC Radio National’s This Working Life on 26/06/2022 - Click on the Image to listen to the program
It's described as the 'silent pandemic' bubbling under our existing one. An estimated one in five people will develop long COVID after their initial COVID infection. That’s millions of people, and millions of workers. Women are also disproportionately impacted by this condition. So what are the implications for people’s ability to live and work if they suddenly become debilitated?
We take a deep dive into this medical mystery and look at how workplaces and individuals can navigate the world of work as they recover.
Guests:
Tracey Spicer- Journalist, writer and Long Covid patient and advocate.
Dr David Putrino- Physiotherapist with a PhD in neuroscience and the Director of Rehabilitation Innovation at Mount Sinai Health.
Rachel Suff- Senior Policy Adviser Employment Relations at Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Producer:
Rachael Bongiorno
Resources:
Guide: Managing a return to work after long-term absence
Stepping up to support people with long COVID
If you need someone to talk to, call:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890
QLife on 1800 184 527