Final answer:
It is true that during the clinical stage, specifically in the prodromal period and the period of illness, signs and symptoms of a disease manifest. The severity and specificity of these signs can vary, with the period of illness presenting the most severe symptoms, and some conditions can also be asymptomatic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is true: During the clinical stage, signs and symptoms of the disease arise. Specifically, the prodromal period is the second stage of an acute disease, occurring after the incubation period. In this stage, the pathogen multiplies, leading to non-specific signs and symptoms, although they might be general and not indicative of a particular disease.
Following the prodromal period, the disease enters the period of illness, where the pathogen count is highest, and signs and symptoms are most severe. Then, the period of decline takes place where the pathogen load and symptoms begin to subside. However, during the period of decline, the risk of secondary infections increases as the immune system may be compromised.
It's pertinent to remember that some diseases can be asymptomatic, with no noticeable signs or symptoms, such as in certain cases of herpes simplex virus infection. Moreover, similar signs and symptoms can occur in different diseases, which sometimes complicates accurate diagnosis and treatment.