Talking about illness and treatments

It’s a good idea to be prepared to talk about illnesses, pain, allergies and injuries. These don’t just happen when you are at home, but also when you travel on holidays.

Talk about a recent illness

These work either as writing prompts or conversation prompts for pairs or small groups.

Think of a recent illness you had. Explain your illness and your treatment in your target language. Try to be as detailed as possible.

• What were your symptoms?
• Which doctors did you see? Were you referred to a specialist?
• Did you have any tests? What were the results?
• What medications or therapies were you prescribed?
• Where did you purchase the medications or devices you needed? Did insurance cover it?
• Did you have any allergies that changed the treatment?
• Did you also try any ‘home remedies’, like homemade chicken soup for the flu?
• How long did it take you to recover?
• What tips would you give someone with the same illness?

Illness and injuries on holidays

• Have you ever had an accident or injury while on holidays?
• Have you had to visit a doctor in another country, and use another language or an interpreter?
• Do you typically purchase insurance that would cover you for illness and injury when you travel?
• Do you do anything special to try to avoid getting sick while on holidays?
• Do you normally get sick when you travel overseas? The recycled air in planes in such close proximity to others makes it so much easier to catch an airborne virus.
• Have you ever gone on holiday while you were on crutches? How did you manage that?
• Have you been in a car accident while on holidays?
• What do you do if you get sick while on holidays?
• Does your employer allow you to convert your annual (holiday) leave to sick leave if you get sick while you are on annual leave?

Hopefully you won’t need to make use of your language skills in this area – I wish you good health and safe travels!