Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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In biology, what is a disease?

A disease is a condition that stops part of the body working properly and can make a person feel unwell.

What is a communicable disease?

A communicable disease is an illness that can spread between people, animals or plants.

What is a non-communicable disease?

A non-communicable disease is an illness that cannot spread from person to person and often lasts a long time.

What is a pathogen?

A pathogen is a micro-organism, such as a virus, bacterium or fungus, that causes a communicable disease.

Give two examples of communicable diseases.

Examples include flu, measles, chickenpox and tuberculosis; any two of these are communicable diseases.

Give two examples of non-communicable diseases.

Examples include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, many cancers and asthma; any two of these are non-communicable diseases.

How are the causes of communicable and non-communicable diseases different?

Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens that can spread, while non-communicable diseases are often linked to genes, lifestyle or the environment and do not spread.

What is meant by a risk factor for a disease?

A risk factor is anything that increases the chance that a person will develop a disease, for example smoking or a poor diet.

Name one lifestyle factor that can increase the risk of a non-communicable disease.

Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating a high-fat or high-sugar diet, and not taking exercise can all increase the risk of some non-communicable diseases.

Why are non-communicable diseases often more common in older people?

Non-communicable diseases are often more common in older people because damage from lifestyle and the environment builds up over many years.