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Signs and Symptoms of Illness
- Our body usually works in a certain way to keep us healthy.
- When we feel unwell, something inside is not working right.
- A symptom is what we feel, like pain or tiredness.
- A sign is what can be seen or measured, like fever or rash.
- Signs and symptoms help doctors find what is wrong.
Example 1 — A Headache
- A girl feels a strong pain in her head.
- Only she can feel this pain.
- So a headache is a symptom.
Example 2 — High Fever
- A boy's body feels very hot.
- A thermometer shows a high temperature.
- So fever is a sign that can be measured.
Important Points
- Symptom = what we feel (pain, tiredness, dizziness).
- Sign = what can be seen or measured (fever, rash, swelling).
Definition — Symptom
A symptom is something we feel inside, like pain, tiredness, or dizziness.
Definition — Sign
A sign is something that can be seen or measured, like fever, rash, or swelling.
🧠 Test Yourself — Section 3.3
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What is a symptom?
View Answer
A symptom is what we feel, like pain or tiredness. -
What is a sign?
View Answer
A sign is what can be seen or measured, like fever or rash. -
Is pain a sign or a symptom?
View Answer
Pain is a symptom, because only the person can feel it. -
Is fever a sign or a symptom?
View Answer
Fever is a sign, because it can be measured with a thermometer. -
Why are signs and symptoms useful?
View Answer
They help doctors understand what might be making us unwell.
