be sick/feel sick

[worcester]

Hi everyone,

Situation:

A patient complaining about his stomach ache.

Doctor: Have you felt sick? (Have you vomited?)
Patient: I've been sick quite a few times. (I vomited quite a few times.)

Does " feel sick" and "be sick" in this context mean "to vomit"?

Thank you.

 

[Rover_KE]

To feel sick is to feel nauseated (as if you might subsequently vomit).

To be sick is to vomit.

 

[Barb_D]

Note that "feeling sick" in the US means "feel ill" -- it does not mean only nausea/stomach sick, but could include a cold, the flu, etc.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Hi everyone,

Situation:

A patient complaining about his stomach ache.

Doctor: Have you felt sick? (Have you vomited?)
Patient: I've been sick quite a few times. (I vomited quite a few times.)

Does " feel sick" and "be sick" in this context mean "to vomit"?

Thank you.

In AmE, you will often hear: "I am/feel/am feeling sick to my stomach" to mean "likely to vomit.

 

[Tdol]

Doctor: Have you felt sick? (Have you vomited?)

Have you been sick? works better for me. Have you felt sick could also mean ill/unwell in British English.

 

[Raymott]

There's usually a context. "The kitten has just been sick all over the new carpet" probably won't be misunderstood.
But a doctor is unlikely to ask, "Have you been sick?" He will ask whether you've been vomiting. (His time is limited).