Talking about health is part of everyday life. You may describe how you feel, ask someone about their health, visit a pharmacy, or speak with a doctor. This lesson helps you become comfortable in common health-related conversations.
Pro Tip
Don’t worry about using difficult medical vocabulary. Simple and clear sentences like “I have a headache” or “I don’t feel well today” are enough in most everyday situations.
Useful Expressions
- I don’t feel well.
- I’ve had a headache since this morning.
- I have a sore throat.
- I’m feeling much better now.
- I think I have a fever.
- My stomach hurts.
- I’ve been coughing a lot.
- I need to see a doctor.
- Do you think I should rest?
- Have you taken any medicine?
- Drink plenty of water.
- Make sure you get some rest.
- I hope you feel better soon.
- Take care of yourself.
- Let me know how you’re feeling later.
Questions & Answers
1. How are you feeling today?
I’m feeling much better today.
2. What’s wrong?
I have a terrible headache.
3. When did it start?
It started yesterday evening.
4. Do you have a fever?
Yes, I think I do.
5. Have you taken any medicine?
Yes, I took some medicine this morning.
6. Should I see a doctor?
Yes, if you don’t feel better soon.
7. Are you going to work today?
No, I’m staying home to rest.
8. Is your throat still sore?
It’s a little better now.
9. What helps you feel better?
Drinking warm tea usually helps.
10. Are you feeling better now?
Yes, I’m recovering slowly.
Conversation
Emma: Hi, David. You don’t look well today.
David: I haven’t been feeling very good since yesterday.
Emma: What’s bothering you?
David: I have a sore throat and a headache.
Emma: Do you think you have a fever?
David: I think so. I feel very tired too.
Emma: Have you taken any medicine?
David: Yes, but it hasn’t helped much.
Emma: Maybe you should visit a doctor.
David: I think you’re right.
Emma: Get some rest and drink plenty of water.
David: Thanks. I hope I feel better tomorrow.
Real-Life Conversation
Nina: Good morning, Alex. How are you today?
Alex: Honestly, I’m not feeling very well.
Nina: Oh no. What happened?
Alex: I woke up with a headache and a sore throat.
Nina: Do you also have a fever?
Alex: I checked my temperature. It’s a little high.
Nina: That’s not good. Did you sleep well last night?
Alex: Not really. I kept waking up.
Nina: Have you taken any medicine yet?
Alex: Yes, I took some after breakfast.
Nina: Is it helping?
Alex: A little, but I’m still tired.
Nina: Are you going to the office today?
Alex: No, I’ll stay home and rest.
Nina: That’s a good decision.
Alex: I don’t want to make anyone else sick.
Nina: That’s thoughtful. Have you been drinking enough water?
Alex: Probably not.
Nina: Try drinking warm water or tea.
Alex: I’ll do that.
Nina: If you still have a fever tomorrow, you should see a doctor.
Alex: Yes, I’ll make an appointment if I don’t improve.
Nina: I hope you recover quickly.
Alex: Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Quick Practice
A. Change the words
Example:
I have a headache. → I have a backache.
- I have a sore throat. → ______________________
- I feel tired today. → ______________________
- I need to see a doctor. → ______________________
- Drink plenty of water. → ______________________
- I’m feeling much better now. → ______________________
B. Answer the questions
- How do you say that your head hurts?
- What would you tell a sick friend?
- What do you usually do when you have a fever?
- Who do you visit when you’re very sick?
- What healthy drink do you usually have when you feel unwell?
C. Complete the sentences
- I don’t feel ________ today.
- I have a ________ throat.
- I think I need to ________.
- The doctor told me to ________ plenty of water.
- I hope I feel ________ tomorrow.
Speaking Challenge
Imagine your friend calls you because they are feeling sick.
Speak for about one minute and include:
- Ask how they are feeling.
- Ask about their symptoms.
- Give two simple suggestions.
- Tell them to take care of themselves.
- End the conversation politely.
Common Mistakes
| Common Mistake | Better Expression |
|---|---|
| I am having fever. | I have a fever. |
| My head is paining. | I have a headache. |
| I am not feeling good from yesterday. | I haven’t been feeling well since yesterday. |
| Take more rests. | Get some rest. |
| Drink more waters. | Drink more water. |
Lesson Summary
Key Expressions
- I don’t feel well.
- I have a headache.
- I have a sore throat.
- I think I have a fever.
- My stomach hurts.
- Have you taken any medicine?
- I need to see a doctor.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get some rest.
- I hope you feel better soon.
- Take care of yourself.
- I’m feeling much better now.
