Transmissible disease

Transmissible diseases are ones that can be caught by others (passed on to others).

A transmissible disease is virus or bacteria that transfers from one organism to the other through direct or indirect contact

Imagine a radio transmitter (transmissible disease) sending out a series of viruses and bacteria that are easily caught and passed on.

Examples of transmissible diseases

1. Common cold

2. Gastroenteritis

3. Whooping cough

4. Hepatitis

5. HIV/Aids

(Also any of the infectious diseases examples, and many more!)

Transmission by direct contact

Direct contact means touching – the disease-causing microorganism is passed from one person to another when their bodies touch in some way.

and

Transmission by indirect contact

Indirect contact means not touching – the microorganism is passed to someone by means other than touching another person.

Viruses can be passed by direct contact through a hand shake or touching a door handle or indirect inhaling the microorganisms

The transmitter sends out viruses and bacteria. Whether you catch them yourself (direct contact), or your dog catches them and brings them to you (indirect contact), there’s always a chance you’ll catch an infection.

Examples of direct contact

1. Touching between people

2. Kissing

3. Sexual contact

Examples of indirect contact

1. Breathing in droplets from air after an infected person has sneezed or coughed

2. Touching contaminated objects (e.g. doorknobs) then touching eyes, nose or mouth