Felt or measured?
A nurse can read a thermometer. Only the person knows how tired they feel. Both help a doctor.
Step 1 of 4
- Two boxes: symptom and sign.
- A symptom is felt. Pain, tiredness and a headache are symptoms.
- A sign can be seen or measured. Swelling is a sign.
- 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.
| Symptom (felt) | Sign (seen or measured) |
|---|---|
| Pain | Swelling |
| Tiredness | A high thermometer reading |
| Headache | A pulse a nurse counts |
| Itching | Red 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?
Loading lab…