Communicable

Definition

Communicable diseases are infections that can be transmitted from one individual to another, either directly or indirectly. These diseases can spread through various means such as physical contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communicable diseases often have specific modes of transmission like direct contact, droplet spread, and airborne transmission.
2. Pathogens responsible for communicable diseases include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
3. The incubation period is the time between exposure to the pathogen and the appearance of symptoms.
4. Preventive measures for communicable diseases include vaccination, hygiene practices, and quarantine.
5. Epidemiology studies how communicable diseases spread within populations and helps in developing control strategies.

Review Questions

Related terms

Epidemic:

A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.

Pathogen:

A microorganism that causes disease in its host.

Incubation Period:

The period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms.