What is the difference between "infectious diseases" and "diseases that are transmitted from one person to another"? (Infectious and Contagious Diseases) – Let's talk about this!

Sometimes you may also have a hard time understanding the difference between these two words, ' infectious diseases ' and ' contagious diseases'. Some people think that these two are the same. But in reality, there is a clear difference between what these two words mean. Let's talk about it very simply today, in a way that you can understand, okay? Knowing this will be very important for you and your family.

So what are these "infectious diseases"?

Simply put, an infectious disease is a disease caused by tiny germs that we cannot see with our eyes , such as bacteria, viruses, fungi , or parasites, that enter our bodies and cause problems there. These germs enter our bodies and multiply (increase in size) there, causing the disease.

Just think, sometimes when we unknowingly eat dirty food, drink dirty water, or breathe air that contains some germs, these little enemies can enter our body even through a wound. When they enter the body in this way, various diseases, such as fever, cough, and stomach aches, occur.

But the important thing here is that not all infectious diseases are transmitted directly from one person to another. There are some infectious diseases that we get through other means. We'll talk about that a little later.

So what are "Contagious Diseases"?

Here's the important point. A "contagious disease" is actually a type of infectious disease. That is, it is also caused by the same germs as mentioned earlier.

But the special thing is that these types of diseases can spread from one person to another, directly or indirectly .

To put it in a simple example, imagine that every red flower is a flower. But not every flower is red. That is, a disease that is contagious from one person to another is an infectious disease. But not every infectious disease is contagious from one person to another. Do you understand?

For example, the common cold , influenza , measles, chickenpox , and the current COVID-19 are all contagious diseases. If you come into close contact with someone who has a cold, or touch a handkerchief they used, you could get it, right? These are the kinds of things.

So, are there any "infectious diseases" that are not contagious from person to person?

Yes, there definitely are. These are also caused by germs, but they are not spread directly from one person to another by shaking hands or by being in close proximity.

• Diseases transmitted by animals or insects:

Think about Lyme disease. It is caused by the bite of an animal such as a tick. You cannot catch the disease from talking to or being near a friend who has Lyme disease. It is only spread by the bite of an infected tick. Another example is Rabies. It is also spread by a dog bite, and is not easily spread from a person with rabies to another person. Diseases such as Leptospirosis are spread by drinking dirty water mixed with things like rat urine.

• Environmentally transmitted diseases:

Another good example is tetanus. This is caused when bacteria found in soil and dust enter our body through a wound. You cannot get tetanus by touching or talking to someone who has tetanus.

Now you understand that even though a disease is infectious, it may not be contagious from one person to another.

How do contagious diseases spread from person to person?

These diseases are spread from person to person in different ways. Let's look at the main ways:

1. By direct contact:

It can be spread by touching, shaking hands with, or kissing someone who is sick. For example, some skin diseases like scabies and colds are spread this way.

2. From airborne droplets:

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks loudly, tiny droplets (too small for our eyes to see) from their mouth and nose enter the air. These droplets may contain the germs that cause the disease. If someone nearby breathes in this air, they can also become infected. This is how colds, influenza, and tuberculosis are spread.

3. By touching contaminated surfaces or objects (Contaminated Surfaces/Objects - Fomites):

Germs can be on things that have been used by someone who is sick, such as cups, plates, spoons, towels, toys, and doorknobs. If a healthy person touches these things and then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes, the germs can enter their body. Diseases like ``Mononucleosis`` (also called the "kissing disease"), some stomach bugs like ``Norovirus``, and ``Athlete's foot``, a fungal infection of the feet (which can even be spread from the bathroom floor) are spread this way.

4. Through sexual contact:

Some diseases are sexually transmitted. We call these `(Sexually Transmitted Diseases - STDs)` or `(Sexually Transmitted Infections - STIs)`. These can be transmitted through any sexual activity that is done through the oral, anal or vaginal canal. `(HIV)`, `(Gonorrhea)`, `(Syphilis)` are some of these diseases.

5. Mother to Child:

Some infectious diseases can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding.

Now you probably understand how many ways these infectious diseases can spread from person to person.

Why is it important to know this difference?

It is very important to know the difference between "infectious" and "contagious" because that is how we can decide what measures we need to take to prevent the spread of a disease.

Imagine that a friend of yours has Lyme disease. You know that it is a tick-borne disease, but it is not directly transmitted from person to person. Then you have nothing to be afraid of helping him or visiting him (of course, you should be careful in places where you need to be careful of ticks). However, if your friend has a disease that is easily transmitted from person to person, such as influenza, you need to be very careful when you go to him or care for him , or you could also get the disease. In such cases, it is important to keep the sick person isolated for a while and not let others use the things he or she uses.

How can we protect ourselves from these infectious diseases?

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to protect ourselves from infectious diseases like these, especially those that are spread from person to person.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly: This is the most important and easiest thing to do . Apply soap and rub your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, including between your fingers and under your nails, and rinse them under running water. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently, such as before eating, before preparing food, after using the bathroom, after touching someone who is sick, after touching an animal, after sneezing, and after coughing.

• Take care of your respiratory health: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing. Or cough/sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Throw the used tissue in the trash immediately. Then wash your hands.

• Get Vaccinations: One of the best ways to protect yourself from many dangerous infectious diseases is to get vaccinated. These vaccines train your body's immune system to fight the disease. Make sure you and your children are up to date with their vaccination schedule.

• Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms of a contagious illness, such as a fever or cold, stay home as much as possible to prevent spreading the illness to others.

• Stay away from sick people: If you know someone has a contagious illness, limit your close contact with them until they recover.

• Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share items such as towels, razors, toothbrushes, eating utensils, etc. with others.

• Safe sex: To protect yourself from STDs, always practice safe sex. Using condoms is very important.

• Keeping the environment clean: Keeping your surroundings and home clean also helps prevent many diseases.

Shall we remind ourselves of what we talked about?

Okay, so let's recap the main points from what we talked about:

• Infectious Disease: A disease caused by a germ (e.g., `(Bacteria)`, `(Virus)`) entering the body. Not all of these are contagious from person to person.
• Contagious Disease: This is also a contagious disease, but it can spread from one person to another. (Example: Cold, `(Influenza)`).

Remember: Any disease that is contagious is infectious, but not all infectious diseases are contagious.

Finally, I have to tell you... (Take-Home Message)

I hope you now have a better understanding of the difference between "infectious" and "contagious." This knowledge will help you, your family, and your friends stay healthy.

Don't be afraid, be aware. If we all follow these simple health habits, we can protect ourselves from many diseases. If you have any doubts about any health condition, don't forget to see a doctor and get advice. Stay healthy!

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