Aïe! (Ow!) I caught a head cold and am dealing with a painful headache today. I’m trying not to complain too much, but sometimes you’ve just got to speak about your ailments. And, if you happen to be in France when said ailments come on, you’ll need the correct French translation to express your pain and get the help that you need.

If you are slightly sick and need some medicine (like Tylenol, called Doliprane or paracétamol in France) while you’re in France, the best thing to do is to head to la pharmacie to see le pharmacien (or la pharmacienne). These common medicines are cheap and can be had for several euro. If need be, depending on your ailment, you can also find ice or heating packs, bandages, or other simple first aid equipment at French pharmacies (as well as homeopathic medicines!). Most other French medicines, including antibiotics (les antibiotiques) require a doctor’s prescription (une ordonnance).

(Disclaimer: If you have more than a mild cold or illness, don’t head to a pharmacy first, but go right to a clinic or hospital. French healthcare expenses are much cheaper in the United States, so don’t be too worried about the costs associated with this (and sometimes you can be reimbursed by American insurance). If it is an emergency, you can call emergency services (SAMU) to get a doctor or an ambulance by dialing 15.)

Here are some common phrases you might need to use if you find yourself sick or needing any kind of medical attention:

J’ai mal à la tête/au ventre.  My head/stomach hurts.

Je me suis coupé(e)  I cut myself.

J’ai besoin d’un médicament  I need medicine.

J’ai besoin d’un pansement. I need a bandage/bandaid.

J’ai la fièvre. I have a fever.

J’ai besoin d’un médecin/je veux voir un médecin (qui parle anglais).  I need a doctor/I need to see a doctor (who speaks English).

Avez-vous du Doliprane?  Do you have Tylenol?

Pourriez-vous appeler le SAMU?  Could you call emergency services?

Où est la clinique la plus proche d’ici?  Where is the closest clinic to here?

Is there anything else you would like to know how to say in French in regard to receiving medical treatment? If so, leave your questions below. And here’s to hoping you’ll never have to use this lesson!