The problem of health has always worried people. It has been in the center of attention of the scientists since ancient times. Perhaps, of all unpleasant things people hate diseases most of all.
In theory we know well what we should do to be healthy, but in practice there is hardly a man who has no problems with his health. Sometimes people, who are very busy aren't thoughtful enough about their health.
Of course, much has been done to put an end to a great number of diseases and epidemics. The scientists have already found cures for many diseases, afflicting people. But still we are suffering from many of them.
One of the diseases which disappeared at all is smallpox. It's a terrible virus disease. First we can read about it in ancient Egyptians manuscripts, which were written nearly 6000 years ago, in ancient documents of China and India. Abu Ali Ebu Sina was the first man who gave a detail description of smallpox. Nobody knows the exact time of its appearing in Europe. There were great epidemics in Italy, France and in other countries. In the 17-18 centuries in Europe every year 10 million died. In the 16 century smallpox came to the American continent with Spanish colonists and caused terrible epidemics among the Indians. Later this disease came to Australia. Smallpox killed a lot people and Edward Jenner invented vaccination from it. It was a very great invention – the first vaccination in the world. This disease disappeared at all and in December 1979 the fact in liquidation of it was confirmed.
I must say, that I seldom fall ill. I go in for sports, try to spend a couple of hours in the open air every day and do all that kinds of things in order to keep fit.
But, unfortunately, I fell ill in winter. It was rather cold outside and I probably caught the infection. When I came home I felt that I had a sore-throat. I made hot tea with honey, but it didn't help. At last I decided to go to a doctor. I went there with my friend, for I felt very bad indeed.
When we came, a doctor, a kind-hearted middle-aged woman in a white gown, offered me to sit down and asked me what I complained of. I had a terrible headache and sore throat and it was hard to swallow. Besides, I was constantly sneezing and coughing. It turned out that I was running a high temperature.
The doctor examined my throat, sounded my heart and lungs, had my blood pressure tested. She said it was flu and prescribed some pills and mixture - I had to take medicine 3 times a day before meals and to stay in bed for a week until full recovery.
The recovery was slow. I slept badly, had no appetite. I suffered from a slight, but irritating cough which as a rule becomes worse at night. I followed all the doctor's instructions and in a week I recovered. It was a real pleasure to feel strong and healthy again. Really, all is well that ends well.
