What is the medical term for a vague feeling of bodily discomfort or illness?

The term "malaise" is used in the medical field to describe a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease, which often precedes the onset of an illness. It encompasses a broad range of physical sensations, indicating that the person feels unwell without being able to pinpoint a specific cause or diagnosis. This term is frequently used in clinical settings to help convey a patient's overall health status when they express they are not feeling well.

The other terms provided have specific meanings that are distinct from malaise. "Myalgia" refers specifically to muscle pain, which is a more localized discomfort rather than a general state of unease. "Malocclusion" pertains to dental misalignment and has no relevance to the sensation of illness or discomfort. "Neuralgia" describes intense pain along the course of a nerve, which again is a specific type of pain rather than an overall feeling of discomfort. Therefore, malaise is indeed the appropriate term for the vague feeling of bodily discomfort or illness.