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Key Points
- The article discusses the numerous health issues that George Washington, the first President of the United States, suffered from throughout his life.
- Washington contracted several diseases including Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Dysentery, Smallpox, Malaria, Pneumonia, Carbuncle, Epiglottitis, and Quinsy.
- Some of these diseases, such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, and Dysentery, are still prevalent today, though they can be treated with modern medical interventions.
- Other diseases that Washington suffered from, like Smallpox and Epiglottitis, have been largely eradicated due to advancements in vaccines.
- The article emphasizes that while some of the diseases Washington faced are still present today, many have been eradicated due to medical advancements.
George Washington was one of our founding fathers and our first President. Many people don’t realize that he was also a very sick man. There were several diseases that plagued President Washington, and while some of these are no longer around, others are still here.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What diseases did George Washington suffer from during his lifetime?
George Washington suffered from a number of diseases, including Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Dysentery, Smallpox, Malaria, Pneumonia, Carbuncle, Epiglottitis, and Quinsy.Is Tuberculosis still prevalent today?
Yes, Tuberculosis is still prevalent today. However, it can be treated with antibiotics, although some strains are becoming resistant to treatments.How is Diphtheria prevented today?
Diphtheria is prevented today through vaccines administered at an early age in family care clinics.Did George Washington have cancer?
It's unclear if George Washington had cancer. In 1795, a bump, called a carbuncle, was found on his face. At the time, some people thought it was cancer, but it's not known if it was cancer or caused by another disease.What disease did George Washington contract at 19?
At the age of 19, George Washington contracted Smallpox, a serious disease that kills about one in three victims.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.
