Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases
Communicable diseases are illnesses that can spread from one person to another. They are caused by harmful germs called pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. In the workplace, these diseases can spread when you come into contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces, or the air around you.
Common communicable diseases you may encounter in the workplace include:
- Common cold – Spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces
- Influenza (flu) – A viral infection that spreads easily through the air and close contact
- COVID-19 – A respiratory illness spread through airborne droplets and close contact
- Norovirus – Causes stomach illness and spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or hands
- Tuberculosis (TB) – A serious airborne disease that affects the lungs
- Hepatitis A, B, and C – Spread through contaminated food (A) or blood and bodily fluids (B and C)
- Strep throat – A bacterial infection spread through respiratory droplets
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) – Spread by touching infected surfaces or direct contact
- MRSA (staph infection) – Spread through skin contact or shared personal items
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease – Common in certain work environments like childcare, spread through contact with infected individuals or surfaces
To protect yourself at work, you should:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect shared surfaces
- Stay home when you are sick
- Use proper protective equipment when required
Non-communicable diseases are long-term health conditions that do not spread from person to person. You usually develop them over time due to a mix of factors like your genetics, your environment, and your daily habits (such as diet, exercise, and smoking). These diseases often last a year or more and may require ongoing care.
Common non-communicable diseases include:
- Heart disease – Problems with your heart and blood vessels, often linked to high blood pressure, poor diet, or lack of exercise
- Diabetes – A condition that affects how your body controls blood sugar
- Cancer (such as lung cancer) – Abnormal cell growth, sometimes linked to smoking or environmental exposure
- Chronic respiratory diseases – Long-term breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Obesity – Excess body weight that can increase your risk for other health problems
- High blood pressure (hypertension) – A condition that can lead to heart attack or stroke if not controlled
- Stroke – A serious condition caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain
Simple ways to reduce your risk:
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet
- Stay physically active
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Get regular health checkups
- Manage stress
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which of the following describes a communicable disease?
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