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2.1 distinguish between infectious and non-infectious disease
distinguish between infectious and non-infectious disease
- An infectious disease is one that is caused by an organism and that can be transferred from one person to another. The transfer may be direct, where the disease-causing organisms, such as viruses or bacteria, pass directly from person to person, or it may be carried out by an intermediary (called a vector), such as a blood-sucking insect. Examples of infectious diseases are colds, influenza, chicken pox, herpes and measles.
- Non-infectious diseases are diseases that are not due to disease-causing organisms. They include genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome, haemophilia, and those that are related to lifestyle or environment, such as cardiovascular disease and skin cancer.