I'd say it depends what kind of job you're going for. I was off work for nearly four months back in 2004, and when I finally got another interview, I told them straight up what the situation was and I got the job. My employers were also more understanding when a year later I was off work for another two months for the same illness, so it can work to your advantage, but you have to weigh it up. I dont think the majority of employers even bother checking up, but if you think it's going to be something that is recurring then it's best to be honest at least to some extent.
