upgrade

🦠microbiology review

Sign

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A sign is an objective and measurable indication of disease observed by a healthcare professional. Examples include fever, swelling, and redness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Signs are different from symptoms, which are subjective experiences reported by the patient.
  2. Common signs of infectious diseases include rashes, elevated temperature, and abnormal lab results.
  3. Signs can be quantified using medical instruments or tests, such as blood pressure readings or imaging scans.
  4. Healthcare professionals rely on signs to diagnose diseases accurately and monitor the progression or resolution of infections.
  5. Some signs may be specific to certain pathogens, aiding in the identification of the causative agent.

Review Questions