Urgent care near me Key points
- George Washington suffered from numerous diseases throughout his life, including tuberculosis, diphtheria, and dysentery.
- Some of the ailments Washington faced, such as smallpox, have been eradicated in the modern world.
- Many of the diseases Washington contracted, like tuberculosis and pneumonia, are still prevalent but can be treated today.
- Washington's health struggles included a range of symptoms, from high fever and difficulty breathing to bloody diarrhea and a sore throat.
- The article emphasizes that while some of the diseases Washington faced are still present today, many have been eradicated due to medical advancements.
1. Tuberculosis
On a sea voyage to help his brother with his tuberculosis treatment, George Washington contracted the disease. Tuberculosis is an infection in the lining of the lungs. Unfortunately, this is one of the diseases that is still prevalent today. While antibiotics from an urgent care facility can treat it, there are strains of the disease that are becoming resistant to treatments.
2. Diphtheria
Back in George Washington’s time, Diphtheria was a common infection. It is estimated that our first President contracted the infection when he was about 15. Not only does it cause a sore throat and a membrane over the back of the throat, it also creates toxins in the body which frequently led to death. Today, we prevent Diphtheria at an early age with vaccines through family care clinics.
3. Dysentery
Many times through his life, George Washington struggled with Dysentery. This is when there is mucous in the stools as well as bloody diarrhea. Today dysentery is still around, but can be treated with a number of options at an urgent care center.
4. Smallpox
By the time he was 19, George Washington had been infected by smallpox. The disease is extremely serious and kills about 1 in 3 victims. We no longer have to worry about this disease, as it has been defeated in our current world.
5. Malaria
Malaria was another disease that George Washington dealt with through his life. When it strikes, it comes with a severely high fever. While it is still around today, it is seen as a disease that strikes in developing nations.
6. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a disease that we still have in our society today. However, it can be treated at a walk-in clinic. George Washington had pneumonia at least once in his life, with difficulty breathing, high fever, and other symptoms.
7. Carbuncle
It was 1795 when there was a bump found on George Washington’s face, called a carbuncle. At the time, some people thought that it was cancer. However, we simply don’t know if it was cancer, or caused by one of the other diseases and problems that George Washington had. Carbuncles are still around, and can be caused by a number of things.
8. Epiglottitis
When George Washington contracted epiglottitis, he started complaining of a sore throat and had problems with swallowing. Epiglottitis can be found in children or adults who contract Haemophilus influenza. Since this flu is mostly gone due to vaccines we don’t often see it any more.
9. Quinsy
George Washington was diagnosed with Quinsy several times. This is a term that refers to an infection in the tonsils. Today tonsillitis is still around, but can be easily treated.
While some of the diseases that our first President are still around, many have been eradicated.
FAQs
What diseases did George Washington suffer from?
George Washington contracted a number of diseases, including tuberculosis, diphtheria, dysentery, smallpox, malaria, pneumonia, carbuncle, epiglottitis, and quinsy.
Are all the diseases George Washington had still prevalent today?
No, some of the diseases, such as smallpox, have been eradicated. However, others like tuberculosis and pneumonia are still common.
How were these diseases treated in George Washington's time?
The article doesn't specify the treatments in Washington's time, but many of these diseases were often fatal then.
Can all the diseases George Washington had be treated today?
Yes, all the diseases George Washington suffered from can be treated today, although some strains of diseases like tuberculosis are becoming resistant to treatments.
Did George Washington have cancer?
It's unclear. He had a carbuncle, a type of skin infection, that some people at the time thought might be cancer, but it's not confirmed.
How is Dysentery treated today?
Today, Dysentery can be treated with a number of options at an urgent care center.
Is Malaria still a common disease today?
Yes, Malaria is still a common disease today, but it is primarily seen in developing nations.
What is Quinsy and is it still common today?
Quinsy is an infection in the tonsils. Today, it is referred to as tonsillitis and can be easily treated.
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History
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
February 19 2014
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
February 19 2014
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
