Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic germs, such as bacteria or viruses, that get into the body and cause problems. Some — but not all — infectious diseases spread directly from one person to another. Infectious diseases that spread from person to person are said to be contagious.

Some infections spread to people from an animal or insect, but are not contagious from another human.

Contagious diseases, such as the flu, colds, or strep throat (bacterial infection that may cause a sore, scratchy throat) spread from person to person in several ways. One way is through direct physical contact, like touching or kissing a person who has the infection. Another way is when an infectious microbe travels through the air after someone nearby sneezes or coughs.

Sometimes people get contagious diseases by (i)touching or using something an infected person has touched or used — like sharing a straw with someone who has mono (mononucleosis)- an infectious illness sometimes called “the kissing disease’’ or (ii)stepping into the shower after someone who has athlete’s foot. (iii)sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which are spread through all types of sex — oral, anal, or vaginal.

You can help protect yourself against contagious diseases by often washing your hands properly with soap and clean water, staying away from those who are sick or terminally ill, making sure you’re up to date on all vaccinations, and always using condoms during any type of sex.

Preventing diseases while simultaneously strengthening the treatment and control programs that exist in health care systems is vital to decreasing the global disease burden.

Most, if not all Infectious Diseases are Contagious, but not all Contagious Diseases are Infectious. What do you think?