The Ultimate Sick Text Message Example Guide for Every Scenario

Feeling under the weather and need to let your boss know? A sick text message example can help you communicate clearly while staying professional. Knowing what to say when you are too ill to work saves you from added stress.

This comprehensive guide provides over 250 sick text message examples for every situation. You will find templates for general illness, specific symptoms, mental health days, and emergencies. We have also included practical tips to help you text your boss with confidence and professionalism.

How to Write a Professional Sick Text Message

Start with a polite greeting and state clearly that you are unwell. Mention you will not be able to work today. Keep your message brief without oversharing medical details. Offer to keep your manager updated on your condition. End with a professional closing. A good sick text message example shows you are responsible and considerate.

Short Sick Text Message Example for Quick Notice

When you need to send a fast message, these short templates work perfectly. They are simple but still professional.

• Not feeling well today. Can’t make it in.
• Feeling under the weather. Taking a sick day.
• Woke up sick. Won’t be coming to work.
• Not up to work today. Taking the day off.
• Feeling rough this morning. Need to rest.
• Sick today. Will update you later.
• Under the weather. Taking a sick day.
• Not feeling great. Calling in sick.
• Woke up ill. Won’t be in today.
• Taking a sick day today.
• Feeling unwell. Resting up.
• Sick today. Will check in later.
• Not well enough to work.
• Taking the day to recover.
• Feeling awful this morning.
• Sick day today. Sorry for short notice.
• Under the weather. Need to stay home.
• Not feeling up to work today.
• Woke up feeling terrible.
• Taking a mental health day.
• Feeling poorly. Resting at home.
• Need a sick day today.
• Not well. Taking the day off.
• Feeling sick. Won’t be in.
• Taking the day to rest up.
• Sick. Will keep you posted.
• Not feeling great. Resting today.
• Under the weather today.
• Sick day. Sorry for the last minute.
• Taking a health day today.
• Woke up sick. Need to recover.
• Not well enough to come in.
• Resting up today. Feel awful.
• Sick. Taking the day off.
• Need a day to recover.
• Feeling terrible this morning.
• Sick today. Will update tomorrow.
• Taking a sick day. Sorry.
• Not well. Resting at home.
• Under the weather. Need to rest.

Sick Text Message Example for Flu or Cold Symptoms

When you have classic flu symptoms, use these templates. They describe your condition without oversharing.

• I woke up with flu-like symptoms today. I need to rest and recover at home. I will update you tomorrow on my condition.
• Hi, I have a bad cold and won’t be able to work today. I think it is best to stay home and recover. I will check in later.
• I am dealing with flu symptoms this morning. I am taking the day to rest. I hope to return tomorrow.
• Feeling really unwell with cold symptoms. I won’t be able to make it in. I will keep you posted.
• I have developed a bad cough and fever. I need to rest today. I will let you know how I am feeling later.
• Hi, I think I have the flu and need to stay home. I do not want to spread it to the team. I will update you tomorrow.
• Woke up with severe cold symptoms. I need to take a sick day to recover. I will check in with you later.
• I have a fever and body aches. I won’t be able to work today. I will keep you updated.
• Dealing with flu-like symptoms. Resting at home today. I will let you know about tomorrow.
• Hi, I am unwell with flu symptoms. I need to stay home and rest. I will update you later today.
• Got a bad cold overnight. I am taking the day off to recover. I will keep you posted.
• Fever and cough this morning. Need a sick day. I will check in later.
• Feel awful with flu symptoms. Taking the day to rest. I will update you soon.
• Hi, caught a cold and feel terrible. I won’t be in today. I will let you know tomorrow.

Sick Text Message Example for Stomach Issues

Stomach problems can be difficult to discuss. These templates are direct without being too graphic.

• Hi, I am experiencing stomach issues this morning. I need to take the day off to rest. I hope to return tomorrow.
• My stomach is upset today. I won’t be able to come to work. I will keep you updated.
• I woke up with stomach discomfort. I need to stay home and recover. I will let you know later.
• Having stomach problems. Taking a sick day. I will check in tomorrow.
• Hi, my stomach is not well today. I need to rest at home. I will update you later.
• Woke up with nausea and stomach pain. I am taking the day off. I will keep you posted.
• Stomach issues today. I can’t make it to work. I will update you on my condition.
• Feeling unwell with stomach problems. Resting today. I will let you know about tomorrow.
• Hi, I have a stomach bug and need to stay home. I will keep you updated.
• Woke up feeling sick to my stomach. Taking a sick day. I will check in later.
• Stomach discomfort this morning. I need to rest. I will update you tomorrow.
• Hi, I am dealing with stomach issues and won’t be in today. I will keep you posted.
• Have a stomach bug. Need to stay home. I will let you know later.
• Feeling nauseous this morning. Taking the day off. I will update you soon.
• Stomach problems today. I can’t work. I will check in tomorrow.

Sick Text Message Example for Migraine or Headache

Migraines can be debilitating. These templates explain your situation clearly.

• Hi, I woke up with a severe migraine today. I won’t be able to work. I will check in later.
• I am suffering from a bad migraine headache. I need to rest in a dark room. I will update you tomorrow.
• My migraine is unbearable today. I am taking a sick day to recover. I will keep you posted.
• Hi, I have a terrible migraine and can’t come to work. I will let you know how I feel later.
• Woke up with a pounding headache. I need to rest today. I will update you later.
• Severe migraine this morning. I am taking the day off. I will check in tomorrow.
• Hi, I have a migraine and won’t be able to work. I will keep you updated.
• My headache is really bad today. I need to stay home and rest. I will let you know later.
• Having a migraine episode. I can’t make it in. I will update you later today.
• Hi, I am dealing with a migraine and need to rest. I will check in tomorrow.
• Woke up with a severe headache. Taking a sick day. I will keep you posted.
• Migraine hit me hard this morning. I won’t be in today. I will update you later.
• I have a bad migraine and need to rest in a quiet space. I will let you know about tomorrow.
• Hi, my migraine is too bad to work. I am taking the day off. I will check in later.
• Terrible headache today. Need to rest. I will update you soon.

Sick Text Message Example for Mental Health Day

Mental health days are valid reasons to take time off. These templates help you communicate your needs professionally.

• Hi, I am feeling mentally overwhelmed today. I think I need a mental health day to recharge. I plan to return tomorrow.
• I am feeling burnt out and need to take a day to focus on my mental health. I will be back tomorrow.
• Hi, I need to take a mental health day today. I am feeling exhausted and need to rest. I will check in tomorrow.
• I am struggling with my mental health today and won’t be able to work. I will be back tomorrow.
• Hi, I need a day to recharge. I am taking a mental health day. I will return tomorrow.
• Feeling emotionally drained. I am taking a mental health day today. I will be back tomorrow.
• Hi, I need to prioritize my mental health today. I won’t be in but will return tomorrow.
• I am taking a mental health day to reset. I will be back at work tomorrow.
• Hi, I am feeling overwhelmed and need a day off. I will return tomorrow.
• Need a mental health day today. I will be back tomorrow. Thank you for understanding.
• Hi, I am taking a personal day to focus on my well-being. I will be back tomorrow.
• Feeling mentally exhausted. Taking the day to rest. I will return tomorrow.
• Hi, I need a mental health day to recharge. I will be back at work tomorrow.
• I am struggling today and need to take care of myself. I will return tomorrow.
• Hi, I am taking a wellness day today. I will be back at work tomorrow.

Sick Text Message Example for Medical Appointment

When you have a scheduled or urgent appointment, use these templates.

• Hi, I have a medical appointment today and won’t be able to work. I will keep you updated.
• I have a doctor’s appointment this morning. I am taking the day off. I will let you know later.
• Hi, I need to attend a medical appointment and won’t be in today. I will update you.
• I have a scheduled medical procedure today. I am taking a sick day. I will update you tomorrow.
• Hi, I have an urgent medical appointment and can’t come to work. I will keep you posted.
• My medical appointment will take most of the day. I am taking a sick day. I will check in later.
• Hi, I have a doctor’s visit today and won’t be able to work. I will update you later.
• I have a medical appointment this afternoon. I am taking the full day off. I will keep you informed.
• Hi, I need to see my doctor today. I am taking a sick day. I will update you tomorrow.
• I have a specialist appointment that conflicts with work. I am taking the day off. I will let you know.
• Hi, I have a medical appointment and won’t be in today. I will keep you posted.
• Doctor’s appointment today. Taking a sick day. I will update you later.
• Hi, I have a medical procedure scheduled. I am taking the day off. I will check in tomorrow.
• I need to go to the doctor this morning. I won’t be able to work today. I will keep you updated.
• Hi, I have a health appointment that can’t be rescheduled. I am taking the day off. I will let you know.

Sick Text Message Example for Family Emergency

Family emergencies sometimes require time off. These templates explain the situation respectfully.

• Hi, a family emergency has come up. I won’t be able to work today. I will update you as soon as possible.
• I have a family emergency that needs my immediate attention. I am taking the day off. I will keep you posted.
• Hi, there is a family emergency and I need to stay home. I will update you later today.
• A family emergency has arisen. I won’t be in today. I will let you know more later.
• Hi, I need to handle a family emergency today. I am taking a sick day. I will update you soon.
• I have an urgent family matter to attend to. I won’t be able to work. I will keep you informed.
• Hi, a family crisis came up this morning. I am taking the day off. I will update you later.
• Family emergency. I can’t work today. I will let you know more as things develop.
• Hi, I need to deal with a family situation today. I am taking a sick day. I will keep you posted.
• I have a family emergency and won’t be in today. I will update you later.
• Hi, there is an emergency with my family that I need to handle. I am taking the day off. I will let you know.
• Family emergency requiring my attention. I won’t be able to work today. I will keep you updated.
• Hi, I need to be with my family today due to an emergency. I will check in later.

Sick Text Message Example for COVID-19 Symptoms

COVID-19 requires special consideration. These templates are clear and responsible.

• Hi, I am experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. I am staying home today. I plan to get tested and will update you.
• I have COVID-like symptoms and won’t be able to work today. I will keep you updated on my condition and test results.
• Hi, I developed COVID-19 symptoms overnight. I am taking a sick day and will get tested. I will let you know the results.
• I am feeling unwell with symptoms that could be COVID-19. I am staying home and will get tested. I will keep you posted.
• Hi, I have symptoms that may be COVID-19. I am taking the day off and getting tested. I will update you tomorrow.
• Woke up with COVID-19 symptoms. I am staying home today. I will let you know test results when I have them.
• Hi, I am experiencing COVID-like symptoms. I am taking a sick day and will get tested. I will keep you updated.
• I have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. I am staying home to protect everyone. I will update you on test results.
• Hi, I woke up feeling unwell with symptoms similar to COVID. I am getting tested today. I will keep you posted.
• COVID-19 symptoms this morning. I am staying home and getting tested. I will update you with the results.
• Hi, I need to get tested for COVID-19 today. I am taking the day off. I will let you know the results.
• I have COVID-19 symptoms and am isolating at home. I will get tested and keep you updated.

Sick Text Message Example for Childcare Issues

When your child is sick, you may need to stay home. These templates explain the situation.

• Hi, my child is sick and needs me at home today. I won’t be able to come to work. I will update you later.
• My childcare plans fell through this morning. I need to stay home with my child. I will catch up on work later.
• Hi, my child woke up unwell and I need to stay home with them. I am taking a sick day. I will keep you updated.
• I have a sick child at home and need to take the day off. I will be back tomorrow.
• Hi, my child is unwell and I can’t come to work. I will check in later on how they are doing.
• Childcare emergency this morning. I need to stay home. I will update you later today.
• Hi, my child is sick and needs me. I am taking a sick day. I will let you know about tomorrow.
• I have a child with a fever and can’t work today. I will keep you posted.
• Hi, my child’s school called and I need to pick them up. I am taking the day off. I will update you later.
• My child is ill and needs care. I won’t be in today. I will check in tomorrow.
• Hi, I have a childcare emergency and need to stay home. I will update you later.

Sick Text Message Example for Offering Remote Work

If you can work from home while sick, these templates offer that option.

• Hi, I am feeling unwell today but can work from home if needed. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
• I am not feeling well enough to come to the office but can work remotely. Let me know if that works for you.
• Hi, I am under the weather today. I can work from home if needed. Just let me know.
• I woke up sick but can work from home today if necessary. Please let me know your preference.
• Hi, I am not well enough to come in but am able to work remotely. Let me know how to proceed.
• Feeling sick but available to work from home if needed. Please let me know.
• Hi, I am unwell and can’t come to the office. I can work from home if you need me to. Let me know.
• I am feeling under the weather but can work remotely today. Please let me know what works best.
• Hi, I have a mild illness and can work from home if needed. Let me know your preference.
• I am not well enough to commute but can work from home. Please let me know if that works.
• Hi, I am sick but can work from home if necessary. Just let me know.
• Feeling unwell but able to work remotely. Please let me know if you need me to.
• Hi, I can work from home today while I recover. Let me know if you need anything.

How to Personalize Your Sick Text Message Example

Adding a personal touch makes your message more professional. Use your manager’s name instead of a generic greeting. Mention specific work tasks you have covered if possible. Offer to provide updates during the day. Your thoughtful response will be appreciated.

Tips for Sending a Sick Text Message

Send your message as early as possible before work starts. Keep your message brief and professional. Avoid oversharing unnecessary medical details. If you can, offer to work remotely. Follow your company’s sick leave policy. A professional sick text message example will protect your reputation.

FAQs

What is a good sick text message example for work?

A good example is: “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell today and won’t be able to come to work. I will keep you updated on my recovery. Thank you for understanding.” This is clear and professional.

Should I text or call when sick?

Texting is often preferred for sick days. It allows your manager to read the message when they have time. It is also less intrusive than a phone call. However, follow your company’s preferred communication method.

What should I not say in a sick text message?

Do not lie or exaggerate your symptoms. Avoid sharing too many personal medical details. Do not make a habit of texting sick on Mondays or Fridays. Be honest and professional.

How early should I send a sick text message?

Send your message as early as possible. Ideally, before your shift starts. This gives your manager time to make arrangements. Early notice is always appreciated.

What if I need to take multiple sick days?

Keep your manager updated daily. Send a brief text each morning. Let them know if you need more time off. Clear communication is important for extended absences.

Is it okay to text sick for a mental health day?

Yes, mental health days are valid. Use a professional message explaining you need to recharge. Many companies support mental health days. Be honest but brief in your communication.

What if I feel better later in the day?

If you recover, you can offer to work the rest of the day. Ask your manager if they still need you. If not, continue resting and recovering.

Conclusion

Having a sick text message example ready saves you stress when you are unwell. Clear communication protects your professional reputation and helps your team manage your absence. Remember to be honest, brief, and respectful. Your manager will appreciate your professionalism. Keep a few templates saved on your phone for when you need them. You will never have to stress about what to say again.