When you first visit a doctor or a medical facility, it’s important to be able to describe your symptoms or ask for help. Here are some phrases that might be useful:

Tôi cảm thấy không khỏe. – I feel unwell.
This phrase is a good starting point to express general discomfort or sickness.

Bạn có thể giúp tôi không? – Can you help me?
This is useful in any emergency or when you’re feeling unwell and require immediate attention.

When you need to specify your symptoms, you might say:

Tôi bị sốt. – I have a fever.
Tôi bị ho. – I have a cough.
Tôi bị đau bụng. – I have a stomach ache.

Explaining Allergies

Allergies can be particularly tricky to navigate while in a foreign country. Whether it’s food allergies or a condition like asthma, being able to communicate your medical needs clearly is crucial:

Tôi bị dị ứng với lạc. – I am allergic to peanuts.
Tôi không thể ăn gluten. – I cannot eat gluten.

In case of asthma, you might need to say:

Tôi bị hen suyễn. – I have asthma.

Requesting Assistance or Medications

Pharmacies are often the first stop for minor ailments. Knowing how to ask for what you need can make these visits much smoother:

Bạn có thuốc giảm đau không? – Do you have any painkillers?
Tôi cần thuốc chống dị ứng. – I need allergy medication.

If you’re looking for assistance with prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, you could ask:

Tôi có thể nói chuyện với dược sĩ được không? – Can I speak to the pharmacist?

At the Doctor’s Office

If you’re visiting a doctor, it might be necessary to discuss your medical history or describe your symptoms in more detail. Here are some phrases that could help:

Bạn có thể kiểm tra huyết áp của tôi không? – Can you check my blood pressure?

Tôi đã từng phẫu thuật trước đây. – I have had surgery before.

To explain how long you’ve been feeling unwell, you might say:

Tôi đã cảm thấy không khỏe trong ba ngày. – I have been feeling unwell for three days.

Understanding Responses

It’s not just about asking questions; understanding the responses is equally important. Here are some phrases you might hear:

Bạn cần phải uống thuốc này ba lần một ngày. – You need to take this medicine three times a day.
Chúng tôi cần làm thêm một số xét nghiệm. – We need to do some more tests.

Emergencies

In emergency situations, being able to express the urgency and your specific need is critical:

Cứu tôi với! – Help me!
Tôi bị tai nạn. – I had an accident.

For more severe conditions, clearly stating your situation can help get faster assistance:

Tôi nghĩ tôi bị đau tim. – I think I am having a heart attack.

Insurance and Payments

Sometimes, you’ll need to discuss aspects of your insurance or make payments. These phrases might come in handy:

Bạn có chấp nhận bảo hiểm y tế quốc tế không? – Do you accept international health insurance?
Tôi phải thanh toán bao nhiêu? – How much do I need to pay?

Conclusion

Navigating health and medical situations in a foreign language can be daunting. However, arming yourself with these key Vietnamese phrases can ease the process, ensuring that you can communicate effectively about your health needs. Whether it’s a minor ailment or an emergency, being prepared with the right vocabulary can make a significant difference in the quality of care you receive.