Describing Cold Symptoms to a Pharmacist
A customer describes their cold symptoms (e.g., sore throat, runny nose, cough) and asks the pharmacist for advice on what over-the-counter medication to take.
Un cliente describe sus síntomas de resfriado (p. ej., dolor de garganta, nariz mocosa, tos) y pide al farmacéutico consejos sobre qué medicamento de venta libre tomar.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
sore throat
A painful feeling in your throat, often from a cold. Use it to describe when your throat hurts, like 'I have a sore throat.'
Una sensación dolorosa en la garganta, a menudo por un resfriado. Úsalo para describir cuando te duele la garganta, como 'Tengo dolor de garganta.'
runny nose
When liquid comes out of your nose continuously. Common cold symptom; say 'I have a runny nose' to tell a doctor.
Cuando el líquido sale continuamente de tu nariz. Síntoma común del resfriado; di 'I have a runny nose' para decírselo a un médico.
cough
A sudden noisy expulsion of air from the lungs, often to clear the throat. Verb or noun: 'I'm coughing a lot' or 'I have a cough.'
Expulsión repentina y ruidosa de aire de los pulmones, a menudo para despejar la garganta. Verbo o sustantivo: 'Estoy tosiendo mucho' o 'Tengo tos.'
fever
A high body temperature, often a sign of illness. Say 'I don't have a fever' to report your condition to a pharmacist.
Una temperatura corporal alta, a menudo un signo de enfermedad. Di 'No tengo fiebre' para reportar tu condición a un farmacéutico.
lozenge
A small, sweet tablet that dissolves in the mouth to soothe a sore throat. Ask for it in a pharmacy: 'Do you have lozenges?'
Una pequeña tableta dulce que se disuelve en la boca para aliviar un dolor de garganta. Pídala en una farmacia: '¿Tienen pastillas?'
over-the-counter
Medicines you can buy without a doctor's prescription. Abbreviated as OTC; useful for asking 'Is this over-the-counter?'
Medicamentos que puedes comprar sin receta médica. Abreviado como OTC; útil para preguntar: '¿Es de venta libre?'
non-drowsy
Not causing sleepiness. Important for daytime medicine; say 'I need a non-drowsy formula' if you have to work.
No causa somnolencia. Importante para medicamentos diurnos; diga 'Necesito una fórmula no somnolienta' si tiene que trabajar.
dosage
The amount of medicine to take and how often. Always check 'dosage instructions' on the package for safety.
La cantidad de medicamento a tomar y con qué frecuencia. Siempre revise las 'instrucciones de dosificación' en el paquete por seguridad.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm not feeling well and I think I'm coming down with a cold. Could you recommend something?
This polite way to start asking for help in a pharmacy. 'Coming down with' means starting to get an illness. Use it to describe feeling unwell and seek advice.
Esta es una forma educada de empezar a pedir ayuda en una farmacia. 'Coming down with' significa empezar a contraer una enfermedad. Úsalo para describir que te sientes mal y buscar consejo.
What kind of symptoms are you experiencing?
A question to ask for details about someone's health issues. 'Symptoms' means signs of illness. Pharmacists use this to understand the problem better.
Una pregunta para pedir detalles sobre los problemas de salud de alguien. 'Síntomas' significa signos de enfermedad. Los farmacéuticos usan esto para entender mejor el problema.
Well, I have a really sore throat, a runny nose, and I've started coughing a bit. No fever yet, thankfully.
Describes multiple symptoms clearly. Use 'and' to list them; 'thankfully' shows relief. Great for explaining your condition to a doctor or pharmacist.
Describe múltiples síntomas claramente. Usa 'and' para listarlos; 'thankfully' muestra alivio. Genial para explicar tu condición a un médico o farmacéutico.
For the sore throat, a lozenge or throat spray can help. For combined symptoms, I'd suggest something like this over-the-counter cold and flu medicine.
Gives recommendations with reasons. 'I'd suggest' is a polite way to recommend. Useful for service roles or when advising on remedies.
Da recomendaciones con razones. 'I'd suggest' es una forma educada de recomendar. Útil para roles de servicio o al aconsejar sobre remedios.
Is that for daytime use? I still need to be able to work.
Asks about suitability for daily activities. Shows concern for side effects. Use this when choosing medicine that won't affect your routine.
Pregunta sobre la idoneidad para actividades diarias. Muestra preocupación por los efectos secundarios. Úsalo al elegir medicamentos que no afecten tu rutina.
Yes, this one is a non-drowsy formula, so it won't make you sleepy. It targets all those symptoms you mentioned.
Explains medicine benefits using 'so' for cause-effect. 'Targets' means addresses directly. Helpful for reassuring customers about product features.
Explica los beneficios del medicamento usando 'so' para causa-efecto. 'Targets' significa aborda directamente. Útil para tranquilizar a los clientes sobre las características del producto.
Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the box.
Advises safety with imperative 'make sure to.' Important for all medicine talks; emphasizes reading labels to avoid mistakes.
Aconseja la seguridad con el imperativo 'asegúrate de'. Importante para todas las charlas sobre medicamentos; enfatiza leer las etiquetas para evitar errores.
If your symptoms worsen or don't improve in a few days, it's best to see a doctor.
Gives conditional advice with 'if.' 'Worsen' means get worse. Use this to warn when professional help is needed, not just self-medication.
Da consejos condicionales con 'if'. 'Worsen' significa empeorar. Úsalo para advertir cuando se necesita ayuda profesional, no solo automedicación.