Difference between Communicable and Non-communicable diseases:

Communicable vs Non-communicable diseases

Communicable Diseases:

• Definition: These are diseases that are caused by infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and can spread from one person to another.
• Examples: Jaundice, Dengue fever, Influenza, tuberculosis, COVID-19, malaria.
• Spread: Transmission occurs through direct contact, airborne particles, contaminated food or water, or vectors like mosquitoes.
• Prevention: Vaccination, hygiene, sanitization, and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):

• Definition: These are diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be spread from person to person. They are often chronic and develop over time.
• Examples: Diabetes, heart disease, Cancer, hypertension.
• Causes: Risk factors include genetics, unhealthy lifestyle (e.g., poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking), or environmental factors.
• Prevention: Healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and regular health check-ups.

Communicable Diseases	Non-Communicable Diseases
Diseases that are transmitted from one person to another.	Diseases that cannot be transmitted between people.
Caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.	Caused by a combination of environmental, physiological, genetic, and behavioral factors.
Transmission: Spread through air, bodily fluids, contaminated food/water, and insect bites.	Do not spread; develop due to lifestyle choices and genetics.
Symptoms include Fever, cough, fatigue, muscle pain, chills (e.g., flu).	Chronic pain, discomfort in various body parts (e.g., chest pain in heart disease).
Examples: Measles, malaria, COVID-19, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS.	Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases.
Treatment time: Often resolved within days to weeks with appropriate treatment.	Require long-term management and care.
Global impact: Significant cause of epidemics; can lead to high mortality rates.	Responsible for approximately 70% of global deaths; major public health concern.