Autoimmune disease and virus
April 16, 2020 | 22,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring
Hello,
I have Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease, and also suffer from high blood pressure. Now I work in retail and am afraid because I belong to the high-risk group. Since I am also mentally distressed, I have developed anxiety and my blood pressure has increased despite medication. I had to be sent home because I felt dizzy and sick.
I want to get a sick leave because I am afraid I would not survive the virus. Is there a special law or something similar that allows me to be on sick leave for a longer period of time due to my illness?
Good day,
The good news is that you are not at an increased risk due to your high blood pressure or M. Basedow. Additionally, if you are younger than 60, your chances of not surviving a Covid19 infection are negligibly low.
Even if you were at an increased risk, this would not justify a longer sick leave. Covid 19 will likely be with us permanently and remain a risk factor until we have an effective vaccine (likely in 2021).
Currently, if someone is unable or unwilling to work preventatively without having an acute illness, their only option is to take (unpaid) leave if the employer agrees. There is no law that obligates employers to provide sick pay to those who are particularly vulnerable (which does not include you).
I wish you all the best!
Sincerely, Dr. Gehring
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