Talking to the Doctor About a Cough and Fever

This lesson introduces learners to a typical conversation between a mom and a doctor about her child’s cough and fever. The dialogue includes common questions about symptoms, advice on home care, and when to seek further medical help. Moms will learn essential phrases and vocabulary to confidently communicate with healthcare professionals in similar situations.

Mom: Good morning, Doctor! My son has been coughing a lot lately. I’m a little worried.
Doctor: Good morning! I understand your concern. How long has he been coughing?
Mom: It started about three days ago. He also had a slight fever last night.
Doctor: I see. Has he had any trouble breathing or chest pain?
Mom: No, just a lot of coughing, especially at night.
Doctor: That’s good to hear. Let me check his temperature and listen to his breathing.

(The doctor checks the child’s temperature and uses a stethoscope to listen to his chest.)

Doctor: His temperature is a little high, but his lungs sound clear. It might just be a viral infection.
Mom: So, does he need any medicine?
Doctor: You can give him children’s paracetamol for the fever and make sure he drinks plenty of fluids. If the fever lasts more than three days or he has difficulty breathing, bring him back.
Mom: Okay, I will. Should I keep him home from school?
Doctor: Yes, let him rest for a couple of days. It will help him recover faster and prevent others from getting sick.
Mom: Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your advice!
Doctor: You’re welcome! Take care, and I hope he feels better soon.

Vocabulary List

  • Cough [kɒf] (noun/verb) – A sudden sound from the throat due to irritation.
    Example: “My son has a bad cough, especially at night.”
  • Fever [ˈfiːvər] (noun) – A high body temperature due to illness.
    Example: “She has a fever of 38°C.”
  • Stethoscope [ˈstɛθəˌskoʊp] (noun) – A medical instrument used to listen to the heart and lungs.
    Example: “The doctor used a stethoscope to check my child’s breathing.”
  • Viral Infection [ˈvaɪrəl ɪnˈfɛkʃən] (noun) – An illness caused by a virus, often mild and temporary.
    Example: “The doctor said it’s just a viral infection, so antibiotics aren’t needed.”

Grammar Tips

  • Using “should” for advice
    Example: “You should let him rest for a couple of days.”
    • “Should” is used to give recommendations or suggestions.
  • Present Perfect for Recent Actions
    Example: “He has been coughing a lot lately.”
    • “Has been coughing” (present perfect continuous) shows that the action started in the past and is still happening.

FILL IN THE BLANK

Doctor Visit Conversation with Fill-in-the-Blanks

Mom: Good morning, ! My son has been coughing a lot lately. I’m a little worried.
Doctor: Good morning! I understand your concern. How long has he been ?
Mom: It started about three days ago. He also had a slight last night.
Doctor: I see. Has he had any trouble or chest pain?
Mom: No, just a lot of coughing, especially at .
Doctor: That’s good to hear. Let me check his temperature and listen to his breathing.

(The doctor checks the child’s temperature and uses a stethoscope to listen to his chest.)

Doctor: His temperature is a little high, but his lungs sound clear. It might just be a infection.
Mom: So, does he need any ?
Doctor: You can give him children’s paracetamol for the fever and make sure he drinks plenty of . If the fever lasts more than three days or he has difficulty breathing, bring him back.
Mom: Okay, I will. Should I keep him home from ?
Doctor: Yes, let him rest for a couple of days. It will help him recover faster and prevent others from getting sick.
Mom: Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your !
Doctor: You’re welcome! Take care, and I hope he feels better soon.

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