Coronavirus and the Future of Vocational Rehabilitation

Covid-19 has infected more than 166 million people worldwide.  Most have recovered and resumed their lives without issue, but some are experiencing long-lasting damage that impacts their ability to work.  They are now experiencing symptoms such as nerve damage, difficulty with walking, loss of smell, coughing fits, and trouble breathing.  Vocational rehabilitation counselors will increasingly need to assist employers and employees adjust to debilitating changes.

Long term symptoms of covid-19

There isn’t a single symptom that unifies Covid-19 cases.  It stresses every bodily system and organs.  The most common symptoms for those who are not hospitalized are dry cough, fatigue, and fever.  A combination of muscle or body aches, headaches, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat may also be present.  Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also being linked to Covid-19.

The symptom most likely to lead to hospitalization is shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.  The disease can closely resemble pneumonia.  Some patients are discharged from the hospital and have a recurrence of breathing problems 2-4 months later. 

Loss of taste and/or smell is a common but underestimated symptom of Covid-19.  Both conditions are likely to lead to changes in eating and diet.  People who can’t taste food tend to stop enjoying eating, and start to view it as something that needs to be done rather than something that is enjoyed. 

Rashes, hives, discolored skin, and lesions have been reported in several cases.  These may be indicative of blood clots.  Long-term implications for workers can include increased sensitivity to chemicals or environmental issues, decreased self-esteem, and discrimination from others.

what does long covid mean for the workforce and vocational rehab counselors?

Some patients have reported on-going brain fog following recovery.  This difficulty in concentration and frequent confusion will require accommodations in the workplace.  Previously very competent workers may suddenly be failing to meet deadlines or producing work below standards.  They will benefit from vocational counseling on reasonable accommodations to overcome the problems.

Covid-19 appears to damage the heart, leading to stress on the entire body.  Patients may experience significant fatigue and be at risk for a cardiac event.  Stroke has also been a common response as blood flow to the brain is reduced. 

Vocational rehabilitation counselors will see an increasing need for their services as workers continue to recover from Covid-19 and reenter the workforce.   There will be an increased need for expertise on reasonable accommodations and job restructuring as businesses reopen. 

Long COVID and Vocational Rehabilitation expert

Morgan Hill Institute’s Melissa Kaekel is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Vocational Evaluator, and Certified Veterans Rehabilitation Counselor, among many other certifications.

She’s available to speak to corporations, podcasts, and to the press on Long Covid and its effect on both the workforce and the vocational rehabilitation field. Click here to learn more about Morgan Hill Institute’s consulting and speaking services or for questions.