Health, Illness and Going to the Doctor

This is the vocabulary you hope not to need and are very glad to have. It divides into three: saying what is wrong, the illnesses themselves, and the appointment itself.

Saying what is wrong

Three patterns, all common:

• I've got a … / I have a … — I've got a headache. · I have a cold.
• My … hurts — My back hurts. · My throat hurts.
• I feel … — I feel sick. · I feel dizzy.

A false friend to watch: in British English I feel sick means you feel like vomiting, not that you are generally ill. For that, say I feel ill or I'm not well.

The -ache words

headache, toothache, stomachache, backache, earache — all one word.

I've got a headache. (countable, takes a) I've got toothache. (often uncountable in British English)

Common illnesses

a cold · the flu · a cough · a sore throat · a temperature / a fever · food poisoning · an allergy · a rash

I think I've got the flu — I've got a temperature and my whole body aches.

At the doctor

• I'd like to make an appointment.
• What seems to be the problem? (the doctor's standard opening)
• How long have you had this? — Since Monday. / For three days.
• Are you allergic to anything?
• I'll write you a prescription.
• Take one tablet twice a day, after meals.

Note the present perfect: How long have you had it? Symptoms started in the past and continue now.

At the pharmacy

• Have you got anything for a sore throat?
• Do I need a prescription for this?
• painkillers · tablets · cough syrup · plasters (US: Band-Aids)

Emergencies

• Call an ambulance!
• It's an emergency.
• He's unconscious. / She can't breathe.
• A&E (British) = the emergency department. US: the ER.

Test yourself

The quiz below covers the three patterns and the appointment phrases.