get sick
Catch a bug
Get sick means to become ill.
In American English, this is the standard phrasing: I got sick after eating the shellfish.
British English prefers "fall ill" or "be taken ill." Get sick can also mean to vomit: Pull over—I'm going to get sick.
The context usually makes clear which meaning applies.
Elevated body temperature
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- vomitingExpelling stomach contents orally
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- chillsShivering spells from illness
aches · weakness · malaise · congestion · cough · sore throat · headache · dizziness
Microscopic infectious agent
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- transmissionSending of information
- exposureState of being unprotected
contamination · germs · spread · outbreak · epidemic · pandemic · quarantine · incubation
Contagious respiratory illness
- coldLow temperature state
- food poisoningSickness from contaminated eating
- stomach bugGastrointestinal viral infection
- strep throatBacterial infection of pharynx
bronchitis · pneumonia · norovirus · gastroenteritis · mono · COVID · measles · chickenpox
Pressure, mental or vocal
- overworkToil to exhaustion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- poor dietInadequate or harmful eating
- lack of sleepInadequate rest
weakened immune system · dehydration · weather change · travel · unwashed hands · touching face · run down · burnt out
Cessation of activity
- fluidsSubstances that flow freely
- recuperateHeal after illness
- convalesceRegain strength after sickness
- healRestore to wellness
get better · bounce back · recover · mend · take it easy · bed rest · on the mend · improvement
fever
Elevated body temperature
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- vomitingExpelling stomach contents orally
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
chills · aches · weakness · malaise · congestion · cough · sore throat · headache · dizziness · sweats
virus
Microscopic infectious agent
- infectionPathogen invasion causing illness
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- transmissionSending of information
exposure · contamination · germs · spread · outbreak · epidemic · pandemic · quarantine · incubation · carrier
flu
Contagious respiratory illness
- coldLow temperature state
- food poisoningSickness from contaminated eating
- stomach bugGastrointestinal viral infection
strep throat · bronchitis · pneumonia · norovirus · gastroenteritis · mono · COVID · measles · chickenpox · whooping cough
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- overworkToil to exhaustion
- exhaustionState of utter depletion
- poor dietInadequate or harmful eating
weakened immune system · lack of sleep · dehydration · weather change · travel · unwashed hands · touching face · run down · burnt out · seasonal
rest
Cessation of activity
- fluidsSubstances that flow freely
- recuperateHeal after illness
- convalesceRegain strength after sickness
heal · get better · bounce back · recover · mend · take it easy · bed rest · on the mend · improvement · turn the corner
- falling illfall ill, take ill, come down with, catch cold, feel unwell
- vomitingvomit, puke, barf, throw up, throwing up
get sickrecover
Regain health or possession
get well · get better · heal · recuperate · convalesce
sick, sickness, sickening, sicken, sickened, sicknesses, sicks