Stages of Illness

Incubation

Pathogen is multiplying in the body, no symptoms yet

Prodromal

Mild, vague symptoms start to appear

Illness

Symptoms peak and are most severe

Decline

Symptoms begin to improve as the body fights off the infection

Convalescence

Full recovery, body regains strength

Incubation example

Flu virus growing in the body

Prodromal example

Feeling tired or having a mild sore throat

Illness example

Fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue from flu

Decline example

Fever goes down, feeling less sick

Convalescence example

Feeling fully recovered after the flu