Post-COVID Syndrome and Work Capacity from the Perspective of Medical Expertise
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20478241Keywords:
post-COVID syndrome, work capacity, work disability, forensic medicine, functionalityAbstract
Post-COVID syndrome has emerged as an important clinical condition associated with the persistence of symptoms after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, generating significant impacts on functionality and work capacity. This study aimed to analyze current evidence regarding the work capacity of individuals affected by post-COVID syndrome from the perspective of forensic and occupational medicine. This is an integrative literature review conducted through searches in national and international scientific databases. Studies published in recent years addressing clinical, functional, occupational, and forensic aspects related to post-COVID syndrome were selected. The findings demonstrated that persistent manifestations such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and musculoskeletal limitations are among the main factors associated with reduced work capacity. Furthermore, the absence of specific biomarkers and the frequent discrepancy between subjective symptoms and objective findings represent important challenges for medical expertise. Occupational, psychosocial, and environmental factors also directly influence the determination of fitness for work. It is concluded that post-COVID syndrome represents an emerging challenge for forensic medicine, requiring individualized evaluations focused on functionality and supported by updated scientific evidence to improve the assessment of work disability.
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