101+ Professional Sick Day Email Samples You Can Send to the Boss

Did you know that there is such a thing as sick-day guilt? It’s when your body screams rest but you can’t make yourself call in sick for the day. This feeling is triggered for different reasons such as not wanting their employer to think they can’t cope with the job or feeling bad for asking a colleague to cover for them.

But taking a legitimate sick day is nothing to feel bad about. After all, employees aren’t robots and we need a day off to restore our energy every once and awhile. The next time you’re feeling sick and need a day or two off from work or school, I’ve written down more than a hundred sick day email samples you can send to a boss or professor to let them know you’re feeling under the weather.

Sick Leave Email Subject Lines

• [Your name] – Calling Out Sick
• [Your name] – Calling In Sick
• [Your name] – Not Feeling Well Today
• [Your name] – Feeling Ill Today
• [Your name] – Feeling Sick Today
• [Your name] – With Rashes This Morning, Can’t Go To Work
• [Your name] – With Loose Bowel Movement This Morning
• [Your name] – With Slight Fever Today, Will Be On Sick Leave
• [Your name] – With Stomach Cramps This Morning, Cannot Work Today
• [Your name] – With Body Pains All Over
• [Your name] – Feeling Nauseous Today; To Go On Sick Leave This Day
• [Your name] – With Severe Nausea This Morning, To Be On Sick Leave
• [Your name] – Calling In Sick Due To Fever
• [Your name] – Calling In Sick Due To Sore Throat
• [Your name] – Calling In Sick Due To Severe Colds And Cough
• [Your name] – Calling Out Sick Because Of Migraine
• [Your name] – With Severe Migraine & Nausea, Can’t Report For Work
• [Your name] – Came Down With Flu; Can’t Go To Work For A Week
• [Your name] – Came Down With Gastroenteritis, Not Fit To Work
• [Your name] – Came Down With Loose Bowel Movement
• [Your name] – With Allergies, To Go On Sick Leave
• [Your name] – With Severe Cough; Cannot Report For Work Today
• [Your name] – With Sprain In Right Ankle, Will Be On Sick Leave For 1 Week
• [Your name] – With Severe Tooth Ache; To Go To Dentist; Sick Leave Today
• [Your name] – With Painful Mouth Sores; Cannot Go To Work Today
• Can’t Report For Work: I Was Attacked By Bees
• Have To Be On Sick Leave; I Was Bitten By Our Neighbor’s German Shepherd
• Calling In Sick Due To A Nasty Fall
• Sick Leave Request: Fell Down The Stairs; With Bruises All Over
• Looks Like I’m Infected With Covid
• I’m Indisposed Today
• Feeling So Unwell
• Cannot Go To Work Today: Woke Up With High Fever
• I’ve Been Sneezing All Night Long
• Allergy Attack
• Seriously Ill
• Virus Got Me
• Unable To Breathe Well Due To Severe Colds
• Contagious Covid In Me
• I Think I’m Infected With Covid
• I’m Covid Positive For Sure
• Sick Today Due To The Flu
• Sorry But I’m Sick
• Covid Symptoms In Me?
• Killer Back Pains Here Again
• Diagnosed With Covid
• With Flu Symptoms
• Sick Leave For A Week; Diagnosed With Pneumonia
• Indefinite Sick Leave: Sprain On Left Ankle
• Covid Attack; Tested Positive
• With Non-Stop Cough & Severe Colds
• Calling In Sick Due To Hypertension
• Not Reporting For Work Due To Flu
• Threatened Abortion; To Go On Sick Leave For A Month

Not feeling well? Time to call in sick to work.

Sick Leave Email Samples for One Day

Good morning,

I’m sorry but I cannot go to work today. I have been sneezing all night long and have a runny nose due to an allergy. I’ll be buying my medicine in a while so I hopefully will be well by the end of this day.

I will still be responding to calls and will be checking my emails.

Thank you so much for your understanding,

[Your name]

Hello, Ma’am,

I can’t go to the office today because I unfortunately feel so weak this morning, aggravated by stomach cramps. If you have any questions regarding our presentation, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you for your understanding and I hope to be back in the office by tomorrow.

[Your name]

Hi, Mrs. _____,

This is to inform you that I am going on sick leave today due to _____. As much as I want to, I really cannot go to work now. Please find attached the doctor’s certificate/findings during my check-up this morning. I will go back to work tomorrow. I’m sorry for the inconvenience this has brought to the office since I know how critical this day is to the company. If you have any questions, please call me. I can also check my emails while I’m at home.

Thank you so much for being such an understanding boss.

Yours truly,

[Your name]

Good day, [Your boss’ name],

Sorry but I cannot go to work today. I feel so nauseous upon waking up. I can’t even have breakfast because of this. Maybe I just need a good day of rest. I have asked Ms. Reyes to submit the files I did yesterday. Am sure I will be well by tomorrow.

Thank you so much and I hope to be well by the end of this day.

[Your name]

Related Reading: 41 Legitimate Excuses You Can Use to Miss Work Today (Text + Email)

Good morning, Mr. _____,

I have to take the day off to have an x-ray done on my right hip because I fell down the stairs last night. Though I can still walk, I’m just worried with this pain in my hip. I will be back for work tomorrow. I will be able to check my emails here at home and answer calls. So sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Dear Mrs. ______,

I’m so sorry but I cannot go to work today because of a migraine. The pain is really killing me. I would just rest and hopefully, be back to work tomorrow. My assistant, _____, will head today’s scheduled meeting with the IT team.

Thank you very much for your understanding.

Best wishes,

[Your name]

Eating spoiled seafood is a recipe for a tummy ache.

Good morning ______,

Unfortunately, my stomach cramps yesterday worsened so I cannot make it to work this day. I have asked Ms. ______ to complete the project plans I’ve started, and email them to you for your correction. Please call me if you have any questions.

Thank you very much and I hope to feel better today,

[Your name]

Hello,

Sorry but I can’t go to work today. I had a sore throat when I woke up. I’ll have this checked at the infirmary this morning. Hopefully, I can go to work tomorrow.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Good morning [Your boss’ name],

This email is to inform you that I cannot report for work today due to severe colds and cough. I will go to a nearby doctor so that I can be prescribed with the proper medicines. If you have any questions regarding work, please feel free to text me.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Sick Leave Email Samples for One Week

Good morning, Mr. ______,

I am emailing to inform you that I have to go on a one-week sick leave due to ________. The doctor who checked me a while ago advised me that I have to go on complete bed rest for one week. I have talked with [name of officemate who will handle your work] and she will be doing my job while I’m indisposed. Please feel free to contact me if ever you have any questions. I’m sorry for the inconvenience I have brought.

I have attached herewith the doctor’s certificate.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good morning, [Name of your boss],

I’m so sorry but I was diagnosed with [your sickness] just this morning when I went to the City Hospital. Because of this, I was asked to stay at home and rest for 7 days. Please find attached the letter from the doctor who checked on me this morning.

Regarding the unfinished work on my desk, [name of officemate] will handle all of it. You may also contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you so much for understanding and hopefully, I could recover sooner,

[Your name]

Dear Mr. ______,

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to report for work starting today until Tuesday next week. I have [your illness] and was thus advised to rest. Please feel free to call me if you have questions regarding work. My team co-leader, _____, will handle my work temporarily while I’m out of the office.

Thank you and I hope the medicines will make me recover faster.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good day, Mrs. _______,

My fall yesterday in the office resulted to back pains. Because of this, I was told to rest for a week by my doctor. Please find attached in this email the certificate from the doctor attesting to this.

I will still be able to answer emails and calls so if you have any questions, just call me up. For the files that have to be submitted, ______ will email them to you. She will also be coordinating with all concerned regarding any issues or problems in the office.

Thank you for your understanding. I will update you on my situation regularly.

Best wishes,

[Your name]

Hi, Mr. _______,

I am very sorry but I got the flu and am on prescribed medication from today. I was also advised to rest for around one week to be able to recover at once. Because of this, I will be on sick leave until Wednesday next week. I have notified my teammate who will oversee my responsibilities. I can be contacted through email and text if the need arises.

I have attached herewith the certificate from the doctor.

Thank you for your understanding & am truly looking forward to being back to work.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good morning,

Unfortunately, I am now having severe diarrhea and fever caused by food poisoning. My doctor has prescribed medicines and asked me to rest for one week (attached is the letter from the doctor). Ms. Santos will take over my work in my absence. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you so much and I hope to be back in the office in less than a week.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Good morning,

I came down with something after taking care of my sick daughter. When I woke up this morning, I had a high fever and cold though I still have to go to the doctor for a check-up and the proper medicines. I’m sure that I will not be able to go to work for roughly a week due to this. My team has been informed of my absence, and Ms. ____ will take charge of my responsibilities while I’m out of the office. You may call me if you have any questions regarding work.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Take care of yourself when you’re feeling under the weather.

Sick Leave Email Example to Manager

Good morning [Your manager’s name],

I would like you to know that I can’t report for work for around one week because of [your illness]. The doctor at [hospital’s name] has prescribed medicines and advised me to rest to recover soon. I have attached a letter from the doctor.

I have called up [your co-worker’s name] to assist while I’m gone. If you have queries, don’t hesitate, please,  to contact me either through email or phone.

Thank you, sir, for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good day,

I woke up this morning and bang: all the flu symptoms hit me hard (sore throat, fever, cold, and cough). So as not to infect anyone in the office, I will take around a day of sick leave. Ms. _______ will take charge in my absence. I will be updating you as to when I can report for work already.

I will email the doctor’s certificate once I get it. After this email, I will be going to the nearby clinic for a thorough check-up. Since I have already used up most of my sick day credits, I will be using my personal day leaves for the balance.

Thank you and I wish this flu would go away soon.

Have a nice day,

[Your name]

Good afternoon [Your manager’s name],

Because of my hypertension, I will not be able to go to work starting tonight. I still have to go to the nearby hospital to see a doctor to know until when I will be on sick leave. I will update you at once. I’ll be using my sick leave balance.

Thank you for your understanding and I hope and pray that I will be healthier,

[Your name]

Good day,

Unfortunately, I’m down with the flu. I was already prescribed with medicines by Dr. _______ of [Hospital’s name] and was asked to rest for a couple of days. Please find attached Dr. _____’s certificate.

For the scheduled presentation tomorrow, I’ve talked with _______ to present on my behalf. I will be checking my emails periodically. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.

Thank you and I will constantly update you on my situation,

[Your name]

Dear Ms. ________,

I would like you to know that unfortunately, I was diagnosed with _____ this weekend (attached is the doctor’s letter concerning my sickness).  Because of this, I cannot report for work for two weeks. I have talked with _____ who will take charge of my team’s performance while I’m gone. I will still be checking my emails and would still be replying to calls and text messages, so please, just call me if you have any questions.

Thank you so much for understanding,

[Your name]

Good evening,

I just came from a doctor’s check-up and was diagnosed with ______. He said that I have to be on complete bed rest for 3 weeks. Please find attached the letter from the doctor regarding my illness. If I don’t have enough sick day balances, I will be using my vacation leaves.

Ms. _____ will be taking over in my absence. I will still be checking my emails to be updated with work. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries whatsoever.

Thank you very much,

[Your name]

Good morning,

Sorry but I am very sick today. I woke up feeling down due to ______. I’ll try to go to the doctor later this morning. You may call me if you have questions regarding the scheduled meeting with suppliers tomorrow afternoon. I will be updating you once I see the doctor, and I’ll forward the doctor’s letter.

Thank you and have a good day,

[Your name]

Hi,

I’m terribly sorry but when I got home last night, I slipped and fell from our stairs, causing me to break my right elbow. I have to have this checked today. I don’t know what the doctor would say but for sure, I cannot go to work today and tomorrow. Ms. _____ will handle my responsibilities while I’m out of the office. If you would have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me. I will go through my emails every day I’m out of the office. I will also email at once the doctor’s letter.

Thank you and hopefully, I can go back to work the soonest possible time,

[Your name]

Good morning, Mrs. ________,

Unfortunately, I cannot report for work today due to a personal illness. My doctor advised that I stay at home since this disease I have is quite contagious. Please see attached the letter from my doctor.  I may be on sick leave for a week or so. My assistant, Ms. ______, will take over my work while I’m out of the office. I might be able to check emails when I don’t anymore feel nauseous. Please call me if you have any questions regarding work.

Thank you so much for understanding.

[Your name]

Sick Leave Email Example to Professor

Good morning, [Your professor’s name],

I’m very sorry but I cannot attend your classes this week because I have just been diagnosed with flu and have to stay home until the weekend to rest. I will ask [your friend’s name] to submit to you my report regarding climate change. I will also be getting updates from her on the lessons you’ll be discussing while I’m on sick leave.

Thank you for understanding,

[Your name] of Class ______

Hi, Mr. ______,

Unfortunately, I have a slight fever when I woke up this morning so I cannot go to school this afternoon. Would it be possible for me to take the exam that I will miss today next week? Hoping for a favorable response.

Thank you very much,

[Your name] of Class _______

Good afternoon, Mr. ______,

I’m sorry for not attending your classes the last two days. I’ve been diagnosed with _______ and was advised to rest by my doctor. I am willing to take remedial lessons at your most convenient time.

Thank you for your accommodating my request.

Sincerely,

[Your name] of Class ______

Related Reading: 167+ Positivity Quotes to Give You a Boost at Work and Life 

Dear Professor ______,

This is to inform you that I am covid positive. As such, I will not be able to go to school for around 2 weeks. Would it be possible for me to take catch-up lessons once I’m totally well?

Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your name] of Class _______

Good morning, [Your professor’s name],

I’m sorry but I cannot go to your classes today and tomorrow due to flu. I would ask _______ to provide me with notes on the lectures that I will miss.

Also, with regard to the examination scheduled tomorrow, would you please give me a chance to take it next week?

Hoping for your kind consideration. Thank you so much.

[Your name] of Class _______

Good afternoon, Mr. ________,

I am writing to let you know that I will not be able to go to school for two months due to ________. Please find attached the doctor’s certificate regarding my llness.

Will you drop me from your class given my long absence? I am willing to take remedial lessons when I’m already well. Hope you can give me another chance.

Thank you for understanding,

[Your name] of Class ______

Good morning, Professor _______,

I was advised by my doctor just this morning to rest for one week due to _____. I have attached the letter from my doctor in this email.

Since I will miss 4 of your classes, I will ask ______ to provide me with the all the lecture notes you’ll give. If ever you’ll be giving the class a test, could I take it once I’m back in school?

Hoping for a favorable response, sir.

Thank you,

[Your name] of Class ______

Dear Professor ______,

This is ________ from class ________. I am writing to tell you that I cannot attend your classes for two whole weeks because I have been diagnosed with _____.  Please find attached the letter from my doctor regarding my sickness.

I will be reading the notes you have provided and will be getting updates from ______ on your topics for discussion and assignments to be submitted. I hope that I can still be given the chance to take any test that I will miss while I’m sick.

Thank you for being considerate.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good morning, Mr. _______,

I’m very sorry but I will not be able to attend your classes this week. I have ____ and was advised to rest by my doctor. Please see the doctor’s letter in the attached file.

I will get updates of your lectures and the assignments you’ll give from ______ who lives near our place. I hope I can still submit your requirements when I’m already well.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

[Your name] of Class ______

Stay safe out there.

Sick Leave Email Example During Covid

Good day,

Sorry but I am covid positive, hence, cannot report for work starting today. All the while I thought that the colds and cough I had were just from my allergies. I will be out from the office for around two weeks to rest and recover. I have attached the letter from the doctor and the result of the covid test.

For tomorrow’s meeting, I have asked ______ to present the file that I have finished. You may go over said file and if you have any questions, you could call me up.

Hopefully, this covid would be a mild variant.

Thank you so much,

[Your name]

Good morning,

This is to report that I have been tested positive for covid late last night (attached are the covid-test findings). As such, I will not be able to go to work for at least one week. I hope and pray that I will be tested negative after 7 days. [Your officemate’s name] will be in charge of my work while I’m indisposed. I might be able to check my emails from time to time, if I feel better.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Sincerely,

[Your name}

Hi,

Sad to say, I am covid positive. The doctor advised that I should stay home and be isolated from all. Please find attached the results of the covid test I took and a certificate from my doctor.

I might not be able to report for work for around a week or until I am tested negative for covid. I’m asymptomatic so I can still go over emails and text messages from work. Please feel free to communicate with me if you have any questions. Also, I have asked _______ to handle my work while I’m out of the office.

Thank you and hopefully, I can go back to work by Monday next week.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good evening,

Sorry but I got infected with covid, most probably because my sister who lives with me, had covid last week. I cannot report for work starting tomorrow and will update you once the symptoms are already gone. But of course, I will have myself tested before going back to work so as not to spread the virus in the office. I’m sure I still have enough sick day balance.

Please find attached the certification from the doctor regarding my illness.

Thank you very much.

Regards,

[Your name]

Hi,

Sorry but I have covid. I thought that the colds and slight fever I had last Friday evening were only because of the common flu. Unfortunately, when I tested myself this morning, it turned out that I am covid positive. Please find attached the covid-test results and a certification from the doctor who checked on me. I have asked ______ to complete all my unfinished tasks and be in charge of all suppliers’ concerns.

Thank you for understanding, and I pray that I can go to work soon.

Regards,

[Your name]

Dear Mrs. _______,

After taking care of my mother who had covid, now I’m the one infected. Please see in the attached file the covid-test results showing that I have the virus and the certificate from a doctor.

I will not be able to go to work for a week or so. I could, however, check emails since my fever is only mild and I have no other symptoms. I can continuously correspond with all concerned given that we are at the critical days of the year.

Thank you for being understanding.

Yours truly,

[Your name]

Good afternoon, Mr. _______,

I just arrived home from the hospital where they confirmed that I have covid. Because of this, I cannot go to work from tomorrow until Friday, maybe. My symptoms are all mild but I have to be in isolation. ________ will take over my work while I’m gone. I will update you on my condition from time to time.

Please find in the attachment the letter from the doctor.

Thank you so much,

[Your name]

Good evening, [Name of your boss],

I cannot report for work tomorrow because I have covid. I was exposed to the virus because both of my parents tested positive for covid last week. Though I would want to still check my emails, I feel so weak now and nauseous, I couldn’t even stand up. Hopefully, I would recover soon. Once I’m tested negative and cleared by the doctor, I will return to work. I have talked with _______ who will be in charge of my responsibilities while I’m out of office.

I have attached the covid results and a letter from the doctor who checked on me today.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Long-term Sick Leave Email Example

Dear Mr. _______,

I am writing this email to inform you that I’m taking a sick leave from ____ to _____ due to _______. My doctor has already prescribed me a lot of medicines and advised me to rest at home. I have asked ______ to take over my responsibilities while I’m out of the office. Attached is my doctor’s letter regarding my condition. Please advise if there are other documents that I have to submit.

Thank you for your consideration,

[Your name]

Good morning, Mr. _____,

This is to inform you that I have ____ and am not fit to work from ____ to _____. During this sick leave period, I have asked ______ to take charge of the team.

If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact me. I’m very sorry for the inconvenience I have caused.

I have attached the letter from the doctor regarding my sickness.

Thank you and hoping I will get well sooner than expected.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Dear Mrs. _____,

I am writing to inform you that I will be on sick leave from tomorrow until _____. Yesterday, I was diagnosed with ______. Please find attached the certificate of the doctor.

Ms. _____ will be replacing me temporarily. I think she’s a good choice since she handled this job before me. I really apologize for any inconvenience that my absence will cause.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Good morning, _____,

I’m writing this email to let you know that unfortunately, I will be on sick leave for 2 months (_____ to ______) due to ______. Please find attached the certificate from my doctor.

I have asked _______ to handle my work while I’m on leave. Please feel free to call me up if you have any questions. I’m very sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.

Thank you so much,

[Your name]

Good day, Mrs. _____,

I would like you to know that I will be on sick leave from _____ to _____ because of ______. I have attached the letter from my doctor regarding this concern.

It has been so unfortunate that this has happened during our peak months. I might not be able to even open my emails or do any work from home since I need to have complete bed rest as per my doctor’s advice.

I have talked with ______ who will be doing my work temporarily. You can rely on her.

Thank you so much for understanding this difficult situation I’m now in.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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Good morning,

This is to inform you that I was diagnosed with _____ just this morning by my doctor from _____ hospital, and was advised to rest from _____ to ______. Please find attached the doctor’s letter.

I’m very sorry for the inconvenience that my absence will cause. I have asked _____ to temporarily do my work and I honestly believe that she will do her best. Even though I would want to work while at home, I cannot because of my condition. Hope you would understand.

Thank you and sincerely,

[Your name]

Hi, Mrs. ______,

My scoliosis has brought me so much pain since Monday last week, so I had this checked, and unfortunately, I was advised by my surgeon to go on sick leave from ______ to ______. During the time I will be gone, ______ will do my work. I’m very sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused. Please find attached the doctor’s certificate.

Thank you so much for your consideration,

[Your name]

Running a fever? Stay home.

What are some important details to include in a sick day email?

Even healthy, young employees feel under the weather from time to time. Because of this, there is a high chance that we will get sick and have to inform our superiors or HR in our workplace by email. This is especially true if you only needing 1 – 2 days off. If you plan to be out a week or longer, you’ll generally want to send a doctor’s note for approval.

Companies have different protocols regarding sick-day emails though generally, these are the important details that should be included in a request for sick day:

• The subject email has to be short, straightforward, and concise. An example could be ‘Your name – Sick Today’ or ‘Calling In Sick Today’ or ‘Your name – Sick Day’.
• In the first part of the email, provide information as to why you are sick and how long you have to go on sick leave. Already include the dates if the leave will be for a really long period of time. Also mention if you will be using your unused sick leaves or if it will be considered unpaid leave. Some companies allow the use of vacation leaves or personal leaves if an employee does not anymore have sick leave balances.
• Attach a letter from a doctor attesting to your sickness and laboratory test findings if you plan to be out for a week or longer. You may ask what other documents are needed especially for long-term sick leaves.
• Inform your superior of the name of the person who will take charge of your work while you are sick. If there are scheduled meetings or projects, your superior should know who will handle these scenarios. If you can still work from home, you may also advise your superiors that you can check emails and/or answer phone calls.
• Set an out of office message with your email so that coworkers and clients understand you won’t be available to respond.

Remember, if you don’t feel good today, it’s important to take the time to recover. You’ll feel better and be more productive at work upon your return.