Crossword Genius

Dealing with a period of illness (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

about

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'dealing with a period of illness' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'with a period of illness' is the wordplay.
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'period of illness' becomes 'bout' (as in a bout of flu).
'a' next to 'bout' is 'ABOUT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for about that I've seen before include "not far away" , "Concerning (something)" , "Almost; around" , "Regarding" , "Moving" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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