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Sick Note for a Cold: How Long, and When to See a Doctor
For a cold or flu there is no fixed length of sick leave; it follows the findings and your job. This page sets out what it is measured against, when you need medical help and how the video consultation works.
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How long are you signed off with a cold?
That depends on the findings, not on a fixed rule. With an uncomplicated cold, incapacity for work is typically a matter of a few days; genuine influenza can last considerably longer. What matters is whether you can carry out your particular job: for physical work or work with customers the assessment differs from a desk job.
With an uncomplicated cold a few days is often usual; the doctor sets the duration individually after the consultation. If the symptoms last longer, the doctor reassesses how things have developed in a further appointment.
When do you need medical help with a cold?
Symptoms that go beyond an ordinary infection belong with a doctor: persistent high fever, shortness of breath, severe throat or ear pain, a clear worsening after an initial improvement, or symptoms that do not settle after a week.
With shortness of breath, chest pain, clouded consciousness or sudden severe pain, the examination belongs in a practice or an emergency department, not in a video consultation. In those cases the appointment is declined and you are referred to the right place; in case of acute danger call 112.
How does the video consultation for a cold work?
You state beforehand what it is about and choose an appointment. In the video consultation the doctor sees you and asks questions: how it started, how it has developed, how you are in general, whether you have other conditions or take medication. Often the doctor will ask you to take your temperature or to show a self-test you have taken.
If incapacity for work is medically justifiable, you receive the certificate as a PDF; otherwise you receive a recommendation on how to proceed. The consultation usually costs €49.99 and is billed under the German scale of fees for doctors.
From when do you have to present the certificate?
You should report sick without delay, that is on the first day of illness before work starts. The law only requires the medical certificate from the fourth calendar day, but your employer may ask for it earlier, often from day one. A look at your employment or collective agreement settles that.
Important: reporting sick to your employer and the medical certificate are two different things. Report sick first; the certificate can follow.
This text is general information and does not replace medical advice in an individual case. In case of acute danger call 112.