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- What should you do if you have newly-arisen respiratory tract symptoms?
What should you do if you have newly-arisen respiratory tract symptoms?
If you have newly-arisen respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or decreased general condition, you should stay home. Adolescents and adults should have a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school or work.
If you have newly-arisen respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or decreased general condition, you should stay home. Adolescents and adults should have a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school or work.
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Symptoms of respiratory tract infections can begin with vague symptoms such as headache and blocked nose or more classic influenza-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and decreased general condition. The symptoms may be caused by COVID-19. Vaccinated people may only have mild cold symptoms with COVID-19.
It is especially important that you stay at home with the first symptoms of an acute respiratory tract infection, as you are most contagious the first few days with symptoms. Vague symptoms can be difficult to interpret, but testing for SARS-CoV-2 is recommended before going to school/work.
- Download flow chart Newly-arisen respiratory tract symptoms (pdf and png)
- For advice about children with newly-arisen respiratory tract infections, see Children and adolescents
Advice for adolescents or adults with newly-arisen respiratory tract symptoms
- Stay at home
- With vague symptoms, you can go to work/school on the same day if you test negative for SARS-CoV-2. If symptoms worsen or become more pronounced, go home and take a new test. Employees in the health and care services should follow the advice here: Bruk av personlig beskyttelsesutstyr ved normal hverdag med økt beredskap
- You should be tested for coronavirus
- Testing for SARS-CoV-2 should be arranged by the public sector, either as a self-test provided by the municipality or at a test centre using a PCR test or rapid antigen test.
- Those you live with do not have to stay at home, even if they work in the health service.
- If you are defined as a close contact with a household member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and you experience symptoms, you should arrange to be tested.
- It is free for everyone staying in Norway to test for COVID-19 at municipal test centres. This also applies to people without a social security number (without legal residence / undocumented migrants). Healthcare professionals have a duty of confidentiality and cannot pass on information about you and your health.
More information on testing and health care for people without legal residence in several languages (Helsenorge)
If you are sick and need medical attention, or need health advice, contact your doctor by telephone or online. If you need more acute medical help and cannot reach your doctor, call the emergency out-of-hours clinic (116 117). For acute, life-threatening illness, call 113.
Advice to parents with children in childcare/ school with newly arisen respiratory tract symptoms
When you need to take a coronavirus test
See:
- When you shall take a coronavirus test- advice with positive and negative tests
Information for the general public
For general advice about coronavirus: our topic page and helsenorge.no
Information helpline for questions about coronavirus: 815 55 015 (weekdays 08-15.30)
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration has answers to many frequently asked questions about travelling to Norway, and a helpline 23351600 that is open on weekdays from 10:00-14:00.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also has answers to many frequently asked questions.
If you need acute medical attention, contact your doctor. If you cannot reach your doctor, contact the emergency out-of-hours clinic on 116117. If life is in danger, call 113.