Articles With Names of Symptoms and Diseases

Generally, articles are not used with the names of illnesses or diseases

Examples:
• Dr. Smith visits schools and universities to educate students on AIDS.
• Oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer.
• There are several medications that can be used to treat malaria.

HOWEVER: There are some illnesses which require THE.
• the measles
• the flu
• the mumps
• the bubonic plague

MOREOVER: There are a few health conditions or illnesses which can be used with
both a(an) as well as the and follow general article use. This category includes most aches, pains,
growths, and attacks.
• a cold
• a heart attack
• a stroke
• a wart / tumor / growth / etc.
• a sore throat / sore back/ sore foot / etc.
• a headache / toothache / backache / etc.

REMEMBER: This last category follows general article use. Study the examples below.
Examples:
• John has a cold. The cold was pretty bad.
• Nancy had a heart attack. The heart attack seriously weakened her heart.
• Deb had a sore throat. The sore throat made it hard to talk.