Contagious
Contagious
Contagious (/kənˈteɪdʒəs/), derived from the Latin word "contagio" meaning "to touch, harm", is a term used in medicine to describe any disease that can be transmitted from one person or organism to another by direct or indirect contact.
Definition
A contagious disease is an illness that is physically transmissible from an infected person, animal, or inanimate object to a susceptible host. The transmission can occur through physical contact, airborne inhalation, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Types of Contagious Diseases
There are several types of contagious diseases, including:
- Infectious disease: These are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. Examples include Influenza, Tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
- Parasitic disease: These are diseases caused by parasites. Examples include Malaria, Giardiasis, and Toxoplasmosis.
- Fungal disease: These are diseases caused by fungi. Examples include Athlete's foot, Ringworm, and Candidiasis.
Transmission
Contagious diseases can be transmitted in several ways:
- Direct contact: This occurs when an infected person touches or exchanges body fluids with a non-infected person.
- Indirect contact: This occurs when a non-infected person touches a surface or object that an infected person has previously touched.
- Airborne transmission: This occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets containing the disease into the air.
Prevention
Prevention of contagious diseases often involves:
- Vaccination: This is the administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
- Hygiene: This includes regular hand washing, using tissues or elbows to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and not sharing personal items.
- Quarantine: This is the restriction of movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Contagious
- Wikipedia's article - Contagious
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