Explain Communicable and non communicable diseases.

Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. These diseases can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another, or from animals to humans. Examples of communicable diseases include influenza, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and COVID-19. Transmission routes include respiratory droplets, sexual contact, contaminated food or water, insect bites, and bloodborne transmission.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also referred to as chronic diseases, are medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Instead, NCDs develop over time due to a combination of genetic, environmental, behavioral, and lifestyle factors. Common examples of non-communicable diseases include cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease, stroke), cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and mental health disorders. Risk factors for NCDs include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and exposure to air pollution and other environmental toxins. Unlike communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases are often chronic and require long-term management rather than acute treatment.