The dreaded thing happened.

I got sick.

Even though I had the flu shot (for the first time) before I left the United Sates, it was no match for the danger that lay dormant in the desert for the past 3,000 years. The enemy awoke with a vengeance and attacked me squarely in the immune system.

It snuck up on me in less than three hours. The battle lasted 10 days. My opponent – the deadly Egyptian flu.

Okay, it wasn’t really deadly, and it probably wasn’t even Egyptian, but it was definitely the flu, with a sinus infection chaser.

So what does one do when she gets sick in Egypt? Well, one thing you don’t have to do, is go to a doctor. That’s because most medications are available over-the-counter.

Sniffed, swallowed, inhaled, applied, injected – all types are available without a prescription. Its standard practice for the pharmacist to evaluate your described symptoms, and sell you the cure. Better yet, skip the trip to the pharmacy, call them on the phone, and the medication will be delivered to your door.

Also delivered will be plenty of free advice.

Don’t eat fish or eggs. Drink hot lemon water with honey. Add anise tea if needed. Wear three layers to bed. Make sure the layer touching your body is 100% cotton (better if its 100% Egyptian cotton). Eat at least two tangerines and one banana a day. Rub a combination of menthol, eucalyptus and camphor oil under your nose, on your forehead and chest. And of course, pray.

While I accepted the advice, but declined the offer to see a doctor (I found relief in a combination of Comtrex ™ to get me through the fever and aches, and a vitamin B shot to get me out of bed), there are plenty of doctors in Egypt. Plus, they are available day and night.

That’s because doctors are required to work for the State, as in the government, for life. The same is true for nurses. They are employees of the government for their entire careers. This is required because it is socialized medicine. Medical school is inexpensive, as its subsized by the government. Doctors don’t graduate with tens of thousands of dollars (or more) of student debt.

Doctors’ bills for treatment are also inexpensive. I’m told that most doctor or hospital visits cost under 700 Egyptian Pounds. (2019 prices) That’s about $40 USD.

That would include the exam, tests and treatment. Doctors and nurses do have the option of going into private practice on their own time. That’s where the 1:00 am appointment comes into play.

For example, from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, the doctor sees patients in his (or her) official, state-sanctioned role. Then from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am, that same doctor has a private practice, and he’s/she’s able to squeeze you in at 1:00 am. And if your appointment doesn’t take too long, there’s still time go down the street and get your hair cut before going to bed.

No prescription required.