Episode 8 - From Long Covid to ME

In this episode we look at the topical and ever-present issue of Long Covid in the workplace. Reports are now suggesting that people diagnosed with Long Covid for more than 12 months are having their diagnosis changed to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). There’s growing evidence that there are many crossovers between these three conditions, which may all be defined as post-viral fatigue syndromes. Around 17 million people worldwide have ME/CFS. And around the same number of people have Long Covid in the World Health Organisation European region. Add to that the fact that around 2 million people in the UK alone have now had Long Covid for at least 12 months, and that the majority of those are of working age, and the case for employer support becomes very clear. To help talk us through the overlaps between Long Covid, ME and CFS and provide an overview of what good support looks like, we’re delighted to be joined by Beverly Knops, Executive Manager and Specialist Occupational Therapist at Vitality360, a persistent pain and fatigue specialist. Putting the questions to Beverly today will be Kay Needle, Generali UK’s early intervention and rehabilitation expert.