What does a 'symptom' indicate regarding health?

A symptom indicates a change in personal feelings or appearance that reflects how an individual is feeling physically or emotionally. Symptoms are subjective experiences reported by the patient, such as pain, fatigue, nausea, or changes in mood. They are often the initial indicators that something may be wrong within the body or mind, prompting further investigation or medical attention.

In contrast to this, a specific disease diagnosis refers to the identification of a specific condition based on a combination of symptoms, medical tests, and examinations. Medical treatment is the approach taken to address or manage an illness, and foodborne illness presence specifically pertains to health issues caused by contaminated food, which can manifest symptoms but are distinct from the broader definition of what a symptom entails.