The Public Health Agency of Sweden
Updated 15 February 2023

Stay home if you are ill and have symptoms of COVID-19

On this page you will find information about what to do if you feel ill and have symptoms of COVID-19.

Stay home to prevent spreading the infection

Stay home from work, school, preschool, and other activities if you feel ill and have symptoms that could be due to COVID-19. Examples of symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, fever, or cough. The recommendation to stay home applies to all ages. It also applies to those who are vaccinated, and those who have previously had COVID-19.

Children and adults can go back to work, school, preschool and other activities when they feel well and are in a general good condition. For preschool children, a general good condition means that the child is alert, fever-free, and able to participate in the preschool activities.

Some respiratory symptoms may persist a while after the infection even in those who have recovered.

The aim of staying home when you feel ill is to prevent spreading the infection further.

If you live with someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay home, if you feel well yourself. However, pay attention to symptoms of COVID-19, and stay home if you develop symptoms.

Call telephone number 1177 if you need help assessing your symptoms or advice on where to seek medical care. You can also visit the website 1177.se.

How to protect yourself and others – COVID-19 recommendations

No testing of the general public

PCR testing of individuals is no longer recommended generally. However, testing is recommended for patients and care users, with symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing for COVID-19 

If you have taken an antigen test in the form of a self-test

If you have taken an antigen self-test, you should stay home and avoid close contact with others until you feel well. This applies regardless of the test result. A negative test result from a self-test does not rule out the possibility that you have COVID-19.