Communicable vs. Noncommunicable Diseases: Understanding the Difference

Communicable disease: A communicable disease is a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another, usually through exposure to infected body fluids or contaminated surfaces. Examples of communicable diseases include the common cold, influenza, measles, and HIV.

Noncommunicable disease: A noncommunicable disease is a disease that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. It is usually caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Examples of noncommunicable diseases include heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.