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Asymptomatic

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 13, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Asymptomatic is a term used when one is not showing any signs or symptoms of an illness or condition, even when the condition or illness is present.

In contrast, the term symptomatic is used when a person is showing symptoms of an illness.
Examples:
The human papillomavirus can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic.

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