Do you suspect you have a coronavirus infection?

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, it is important to stay at home until your symptoms have significantly improved, and you no longer have a fever. If you belong to a risk group for severe coronavirus disease, see instructions in the section “Do I need a coronavirus test?”.

On this page

What should you do if you have symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 typically triggers a sudden respiratory infection, with the severity of the disease varying from asymptomatic cases to severe illness. Additionally, the symptoms may vary and evolve as the infection progresses.

See symptoms of coronavirus infection (THL)

A COVID-19 infection can be prevented and treated in the same way as other respiratory infections. By following recommended preventive measures and receiving vaccinations, you can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

See instructions for preventing respiratory tract infections (THL) 

See instructions for self-care for respiratory tract infections (Terveyskylä, in FInnish)

  1. Stay at home until your symptoms have improved

    Stay at home until your symptoms have clearly improved and the fever has subsided. This usually takes 3–5 days. If needed, follow your workplace's standard sick leave procedures to request time off.

    For children, they can return to school or daycare once their symptoms have significantly improved, the fever has subsided, and their overall condition allows for active participation in education or early childhood activities.

  2. If you belong to a risk group for severe coronavirus disease, perform a home test

    If you belong to a risk group for severe coronavirus disease and you experience symptoms of COVID-19, you can perform a coronavirus home test.

    You can assess your situation in the Omaolo service.

    Select the correct symptom checker based on your primary symptom:

    Go to Omaolo.fi

    Please note that it is not possible to use the Omaolo service on behalf of someone else.

    If it is not possible for you to operate online, please call your health station Mon-Thu 8–16, on Fridays and on public holiday eves from 8–15.

    Search for your local health station: Health stations contact information
     

  3. Call the Medical Helpline at 116117 if you experience severe symptoms

    If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a worsening general condition, call the Medical Helpline, tel. 116 117, before seeking urgent care. In case of emergencies, such as sudden chest pain, please dial the emergency number 112.

What should those who have been exposed do?

 

If you are symptom-free, you can continue with your regular daily activities, including attending work, school, or daycare, even if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus infection within your family.

Do I need a coronavirus test?

You should get tested only if you experience symptoms of COVID-19 and belong to a risk group for severe COVID-19. In this case you can perform a home test.

See the risk groups for severe COVID-19 (THL)

You can assess your situation in the Omaolo service.

Select the correct symptom checker based on your primary symptom:

Go to Omaolo.fi

Please note that it is not possible to use the Omaolo service on behalf of someone else.

If it is not possible for you to operate online, please call your health station Mon-Thu 8–16, on Fridays and on public holiday eves from 8–15 and after office hours please call the Medical Helpline at 116 117.

Coronavirus testing points in Helsinki

Coronavirus tests are performed only with a referral from a healthcare professional in the laboratories below.

  • Tullinpuomi laboratory, Topeliuksenkatu 32
  • Myllypuro laboratory, Jauhokuja 4A

See all HUS COVID-19 testing sites 

If you have a referral you can book an appointment for sampling in the HUSLAB's online appointment booking system.

Book an appointment

 You can also book an appointment by phone at 09 471 86800(Linkki aloittaa puhelun) on weekdays 7.30–15.30.

You should always wear a mask if you are coming to a corona test.

All taken tests are analysed at the Meilahti virology laboratory and the results are normally ready within 24–48 hours.

What should I do after the test?

Getting the test result will take approximately a day. If you have not received the test result by text message after three days, please check the test result at MyKanta.fi.

If you belong to a risk group for severe COVID-19 and your test result is positive, call Pihlajalinna’s telephone service, where they will assess your need for Paxlovid coronavirus medicine. Open Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00, at +358 40 541 1688.

Paxlovid coronavirus medicine (HUS)

If you experience strong symptoms, assess your situation in the Omaolo-service.

Select the correct symptom checker based on your primary symptom:

Go to Omaolo.fi

Please note that it is not possible to use the Omaolo service on behalf of someone else.

If it is not possible for you to operate online, please call your health station Mon-Thu 8–16, on Fridays and on public holiday eves from 8–15 and after office hours please call the Medical Helpline at 116 117.

Avoid physical contacts with other people until your symptoms have clearly improved and the fever has subsided. If necessary, apply for sick leave according to the normal sick leave practices.

Self-treatment of respiratory tract infections (Terveyskylä, in Finnish)

If you experience strong symptoms, assess your situation in the Omaolo-service.

Select the correct symptom checker based on your primary symptom:

Go to Omaolo.fi

Please note that it is not possible to use the Omaolo service on behalf of someone else.

If it is not possible for you to operate online, please call your health station Mon-Thu 8–16, on Fridays and on public holiday eves from 8–15 and after office hours please call the Medical Helpline at 116 117.

If your test result is negative and you belong to a risk group for severe COVID-19, you can perform a new home test after 1-2 days, if needed.

See the risk groups for severe COVID-19 (THL)

Stay at home until your symptoms have significantly improved, and you no longer have a fever. Children can return to school or daycare once their symptoms have significantly improved.

If you experience strong symptoms, assess your situation in the Omaolo-service.

Select the correct symptom checker based on your primary symptom:

Go to Omaolo.fi

Please note that it is not possible to use the Omaolo service on behalf of someone else.

If it is not possible for you to operate online, please call your health station Mon-Thu 8–16, on Fridays and on public holiday eves from 8–15 and after office hours please call the Medical Helpline at 116 117.
 

COVID-19 test certificate

Generally, a COVID-19 certificate is not required for traveling anymore. Health stations do not perform coronavirus testing for travel purposes.

It is up to the passenger to determine for themself what COVID-19-related requirements and restrictions exist in the destination country.

If necessary, the certificate can be downloaded from MyKanta. Please note that the certificate cannot be obtained from the health station.