Diseases affect human health in different ways. Some spread from one person to another, while others do not. Based on their transmission, diseases are classified into communicable and non-communicable diseases. Understanding these differences is essential for prevention and proper treatment.
Both communicable and non-communicable diseases are a combination of health issues that may cause damage to your body. Communicable diseases are transferred from one person to another, while non-communicable diseases do not spread from one person to another. Let us explore the differences between communicable and non-communicable diseases based on numerous parameters.
Communicable diseases are illnesses that spread from person to person. They are caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact, such as touching an infected person, or indirect contact, like breathing contaminated air or consuming contaminated food and water.
Examples of Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases spread through various modes, making prevention crucial. Some common ways include:
Prevention of Communicable Diseases
Preventing the spread of communicable diseases requires simple but effective hygiene practices. Here are some key measures you should know about:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) do not spread from person to person. They develop due to lifestyle choices, genetic factors, or environmental exposure. These diseases often progress slowly and require long-term management.
Examples of Non-Communicable Diseases
Causes of Non-Communicable Diseases
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) develop due to various factors, including lifestyle choices and genetics. Some common causes include:
Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases
Reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) requires healthy lifestyle choices and proactive measures. Here’s how you can prevent them:
Parameters | Communicable Disease | Non-Communicable Disease |
Nature | Communicable diseases spread from one body to another | These diseases do not spread from one body to another. |
Causes | Some major causes of communicable diseases are contact with a person carrying a pathogen, breathing in pathogen-containing droplets from a cough or sneeze, and contact with fluids carrying pathogens. | The causes of non-communicable diseases include excessive use of tobacco, second-hand smoke, unhealthy diets, excessive salt and sugar in food, high alcohol intake, and lack of physical activity. |
Symptoms | Symptoms of this category of diseases depend on the type of disease. These include high fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, chills, and night sweats. | The symptoms of non-communicable diseases also depend on the type of disease. The symptoms of this category of diseases are persistent fatigue, joint pain, chronic cough, severe headaches, discomfort while eating, intense pain, and shortness of breath. |
Duration | It takes a very short period to treat these diseases, probably within one or two weeks. However, not all resolve quickly (e.g., HIV, TB require long-term treatment). | It needs prolonged treatment and a long time to treat. |
Treatment | Some communicable diseases get cured without any treatment. However, using vaccines, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, and antiviral medication can treat these diseases. Some require lifelong management (e.g., HIV antiretrovirals). | Non-communicable diseases cannot be cured permanently sometimes. Healthcare professionals often recommend avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting blood pressure, and reducing obesity to treat this type of disease. |
Examples | Tuberculosis, coronavirus, HIV, influenza, and rhinoviruses are common examples of communicable diseases. | Common examples of non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health disorders. |
Both types of diseases affect people worldwide. Communicable diseases pose a significant threat in low-income regions where sanitation and healthcare access are limited. Non-communicable diseases, on the other hand, account for 74% of global deaths, with lifestyle-related factors playing a significant role.
To control these diseases, governments and healthcare organisations focus on awareness programs, vaccination drives, lifestyle modifications, and better healthcare infrastructure.
Communicable and non-communicable diseases affect human health differently. While communicable diseases spread through infections, non-communicable diseases develop due to personal and environmental factors. Prevention is the key to managing both types. Proper hygiene, vaccinations, and safe practices can reduce communicable diseases, while healthy lifestyles and regular check-ups help prevent non-communicable diseases.
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