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Lesson 10 of 16

Felt or measured?

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6 min

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A nurse can read a thermometer. Only the person knows how tired they feel. Both help a doctor.

Two boxes: symptom and sign.
Step 1 of 4
  1. Two boxes: symptom and sign.
  2. A symptom is felt. Pain, tiredness and a headache are symptoms.
  3. A sign can be seen or measured. Swelling is a sign.
  4. A doctor uses both.

A symptom is something a person feels. A sign is something others can see or measure.

The rule

A symptom is what a person feels. A sign is what others can see or measure. A doctor uses both to find out what is wrong.

Felt, and seen or measured. Rows are not pairs.
Symptom (felt)Sign (seen or measured)
PainSwelling
TirednessA high thermometer reading
HeadacheA pulse a nurse counts
ItchingRed spots on the skin

These cards are made up. A list cannot say what is wrong. A real worry goes to a parent, a teacher or a doctor.

Read each card. Is it a symptom or a sign?

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