What lessons can we learn from illness?

I have a fluey cold, which is most unusual - I rarely get sick. I've been told by a psychic friend that it's a spiritual cleansing, so I'm pleased there is a higher purpose. However it doesn't take away the sense of isolation, and suffering, that illness always brings.

What lessons can we learn from illness? I'm reminding myself that it's my body that is ill, not my soul. My soul is eternally well, blissfully happy. And of course, this illness will pass. I will feel better soon. Until then, I'm surviving, one day at a time.