When you feel sick, the last thing you want is to search for words. Learners often translate directly and say "I am having cold," "My nose is closed," or "I have fever." Others don't know how to tell work they can't come in. Today you learn the everyday words Americans use for colds and fevers, how to call in sick, and how to respond kindly when someone else is sick. In this episode: • Saying how you feel • Common symptoms • Calling in sick • Resting and caring • Invented scene: a sick morning • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: I'm not feeling well. — a general, gentle way to say you're sick (neutral) I'm coming down with something. — I'm starting to get sick (casual) I feel under the weather. — I feel a little sick (casual) I feel awful. — I feel very bad (casual) I'm wiped out. — I'm exhausted (casual) I think I'm getting better. — I'm recovering (neutral) I'm on the mend. — I'm recovering (casual) I have a stuffy nose. — my nose is blocked (neutral) I have a runny nose. — my nose keeps dripping (neutral) I have a sore throat. — my throat hurts (neutral) I've got a bad cough. — I keep coughing (casual) I'm running a fever. — I have a high temperature (neutral) I have a headache. — my head hurts (neutral) I feel achy. — my body hurts all over (casual) I feel dizzy. — the room seems to spin (neutral) I'm calling in sick today. — I can't come to work (neutral) I won't be able to make it in today. — I can't come in (polite) I'm going to work from home. — I'll work, but not at the office (neutral) I'll keep you posted. — I'll update you (neutral) Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.