Can You Tell Someone is Sick Just By Looking at Them?

[groundcontrol]

According to the study in this article, the answer is yes! https://curiosity.com/topics/you-really-can-tell-someones-sick-just-by-looking-at-them-curiosity?utm_campaign=daily-digest&utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email 

I subscribe to daily emails from Curiosity because I love learning new facts from all across the spectrum, and needless to say this article was a pleasant surprise in my inbox yesterday! I've always had an odd knack for telling whether people are sick (how's that for a talent on a resume hahah  ). For me, it's always the eyes that betray you. As soon as I see a friend, acquaintance, or even sometimes actors in interviews/on television have that 'look' in their eyes, I can usually predict if they're under the weather. 

The article says it's the eyes and also pale skin that are the biggest tip-offs. Are you good at telling whether someone isn't feeling their best just by looking at them? If so, what is it that usually tips it off for you? (I figure that in this community, we might be even more attuned to such signs than the people in that study!)

[MeForever]

Yeah, I am! I notice it really quick with friends that I hang out with the most. The tip off for me is usually when they are sniffely, look pale/and or tired, and are quiet compared to how they normally act.

[Chanel_no5]

Definitely. Sometimes I know a person is sick before they know it themselves. I'm not 100 % sure what the tip-off is for me, however. Possibly the eyes. I also notice that people smell differently right before and during an illness, but for obvious reasons that only works when it's people I physically meet up close. With people I see from a bit of a distance, or on TV, I can't really put my finger on what tips me off. 

 

[Anonymouse]

It's the glassy eyes.

[zneeze]

I pride myself on being such a good "cold detector," but it's a blessing and a curse in reality. Everything @MeForever and @Anonymouse said. Or anytime I notice a sniffle, quick cough, slightly hoarse voice on a person or a nearby tissue or cup of tea... all of these, by themselves, have correctly tipped me off to people's colds.

[SneezyHolmes]

Usually the pale skin color, dark bags under the eyes, or if they seem more lethargic than normal sets it off for me. If they have a fever then I can usually notice if their cheeks are flushed or not too. 

[sexyhankysneeze]

Yeah I'm especially good at noticing it in their eyes or tissue burn around the nostrils. I also pick up on sniffling really easily.

[Sneesee]

I would agree with a lot of things others have said. I can usually tell, especially if it is someone I am close to, or see just about everyday. Dark circles, glassy red eyes, pale skin. Yeah, I can see it when someone is sick.

[missfemmefatale]

I can usually tell when someone has a cold. For me it's the sniffling and stuffy voice that helps me know. 

[OhDearBlessYou]

On 18/02/2018 at 4:27 PM, D.VA said:

I can usually tell when someone has a cold. For me it's the sniffling and stuffy voice that helps me know. 

This for me. Also the pink nose, the lethargic demeanour, and even when they try to be really subtle about a cough. That's when they're at their worst!