Question

A communicable disease that can be easily transmitted from person to person is which type of disease? a. contagious b. iatrogenic c. acute d. nosocomial

Short answer

a. contagious

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking about the type of disease that can be easily transmitted from one person to another.

Identify Key Terms

Focus on the term 'easily transmitted from person to person,' which describes how the disease spreads.

Evaluate Each Option

Go through each of the given options to see which one fits the description of being easily transmitted between people.

Option A: Contagious

A contagious disease is defined as one that can be transmitted from one person to another. This matches the description given in the question.

Option B: Iatrogenic

An iatrogenic disease is caused by medical examination or treatment. It is not related to person-to-person transmission.

Option C: Acute

An acute disease is one that comes on rapidly and has severe symptoms. This does not describe how the disease is transmitted.

Option D: Nosocomial

A nosocomial disease is acquired in a hospital setting. While it can sometimes spread from person to person, it is not specifically described as easily transmissible among the general population.

Choose the Correct Answer

Based on the definitions, the correct answer is (a) contagious.

Key concepts

contagious diseases

Contagious diseases are illnesses that can be easily passed from person to person. They are a subset of communicable diseases. These diseases spread through various methods including direct physical contact, airborne transmission, and through touch.
Common examples of contagious diseases include:

• Common cold
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Measles

Understanding how these diseases spread helps in preventing and controlling outbreaks. It’s essential to practice good hygiene like washing hands, wearing masks, and maintaining a safe distance to avoid contracting or spreading contagious diseases.

disease transmission

Disease transmission refers to how a disease spreads from one host to another. The transmission methods can be broken down into several categories:

• Direct transmission: This involves direct physical contact between an infected person and a healthy individual like shaking hands or kissing.
• Indirect transmission: The disease spreads through an intermediary object or vector, such as contaminated surfaces or mosquito bites.
• Airborne transmission: Pathogens travel through the air in droplets or dust particles, infecting individuals who breathe them in.

Effective measures to prevent transmission include vaccination, wearing protective gear, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.

acute diseases

Acute diseases come on suddenly and often have severe symptoms but are usually short-lived. These diseases can range from minor illnesses like a cold to more serious conditions such as heart attacks.
Characteristics of acute diseases:

• Rapid Onset: Symptoms appear quickly.
• Severe Symptoms: The symptoms are often intense and require immediate attention.
• Short Duration: The illness typically runs its course quickly.

While not all acute diseases are contagious, understanding their nature helps in immediate diagnosis and treatment. For contagious acute diseases like flu, quick action helps prevent further spread.

nosocomial infections

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are contracted within a hospital or healthcare setting. These infections often occur due to the increased exposure to various pathogens in a medical environment.
Common ways nosocomial infections spread include:

• Contact with contaminated surfaces: Including medical equipment and patient rooms.
• Healthcare personnel: Infections can spread via doctors, nurses, and other staff who might carry pathogens.
• Invasive procedures: Surgeries and catheter insertions can introduce infections.

Preventing nosocomial infections involves strict hygiene protocols, sterilization of medical instruments, and timely hand washing by healthcare personnel.