Recognizing Illness: Common Symptoms and What They Mean

1. Fever:

A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is a common sign of infection. Normal body temperature is between 36.5°C (97.7°F) and 37.5°C (99.5°F). A fever is considered to be anything over 38.0°C (100.4°F).

2. Chills:

Chills are a feeling of coldness, even when the room temperature is warm. They are often associated with a fever.

3. Muscle aches:

Muscle aches are pains or soreness in the muscles. They can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, injury, or overuse.

4. Headache:

Headaches are common and can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, dehydration, or infection.

5. Fatigue:

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, sleep deprivation, or anemia.

6. Loss of appetite:

Loss of appetite is a decrease in the desire to eat. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, stress, or nausea.

7. Nausea:

Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or sickness in the stomach. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, motion sickness, or food poisoning.

8. Vomiting:

Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, food poisoning, or motion sickness.

9. Diarrhea:

Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, food poisoning, or irritable bowel syndrome.

10. Cough:

A cough is a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the mouth. It is a common symptom of respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu.

11. Sore throat:

A sore throat is pain in the throat. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, allergies, or irritation.

12. Runny nose:

A runny nose is a discharge of thin, watery fluid from the nose. It is a common symptom of respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu.

13. Congestion:

Congestion is a feeling of stuffiness or fullness in the nose. It can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, allergies, or irritation.

14. Sneezing:

Sneezing is a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose. It is a common symptom of respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu.