“Disease” vs. “Illness”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 6, 2023
Engram
The difference between “disease” and “illness”
- Disease is a medical condition that has a specific cause and set of symptoms, while illness is a more subjective experience of being unwell.
- Diseases can be objectively diagnosed and treated through medical interventions, while illness may not always have clear treatment options.
- While diseases may be seen as more of a biological phenomenon, illness can also be influenced by cultural, psychological, and social factors.
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What is the definition of “disease” and “illness”?
Disease
- A disease refers to a biological or pathological condition that affects an organism's body or mind.
- It is usually caused by a specific agent or factor, such as bacteria, viruses, or environmental factors.
- Diseases can be acute or chronic, and may or may not have a cure.
Illness
- Illness refers to a person's subjective experience of being unwell or in poor health.
- It may not always be caused by a specific agent or disease, and can have various symptoms depending on the individual.
- Illnesses may not always have a clear treatment or cure.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Disease” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Disease
2,940,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks.
- My grandfather suffered from heart disease for years.
- The flu can be a very contagious and dangerous disease.
Illness
769,000,000 results on the web
Examples
- She had to take time off from work due to a mysterious illness.
- The doctor prescribed medication to help treat his chronic illness.
- Mental illnesses like depression are just as important to address as physical illnesses.
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