Key learning points

1. The good health of humans, other animals and plants can be compromised by diseases.
2. Communicable diseases are spread by pathogens, including some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists.
3. Non-communicable diseases cannot be spread between organisms; they are caused by lifestyle and environmental factors.
4. Lifestyle factors (e.g. hygiene, diet) affect the chances of developing communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Keywords

• Communicable disease - A disease, caused by a pathogen, that can be spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact.

• Non-communicable disease - A disease that cannot be spread from person to person.

• Disease - A persistent deviation from a person’s normal appearance, body function or behaviour.

Common misconception