What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?


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What's the Difference Between Infectious and Contagious?
What's the difference between infectious and contagious?
- Nick

Infectious diseases are caused by microscopic germs (such as bacteria
or viruses) that get into the body and cause problems. Some — but not
all — infectious diseases spread directly from one person to another.
Infectious diseases that spread from person to person are said to be contagious.

Some infections spread to people from an animal or insect, but are
not contagious from another human. Lyme disease is an example: You can't
catch it from someone you're hanging out with or pass in the street. It
comes from the bite of an infected tick.

Contagious diseases (such as the flu, colds, or strep throat) spread
from person to person in several ways. One way is through direct
physical contact, like touching or kissing a person who has the
infection. Another way is when an infectious microbe travels through the
air after someone nearby sneezes or coughs. Sometimes people get
contagious diseases by touching or using something an infected person
has touched or used — like sharing a straw with someone who has mono or
stepping into the shower after someone who has athlete's foot. And
sexually transmitted diseases are spread through all types of sex -
oral, anal, or vaginal.

You can help protect yourself against contagious diseases by washing
your hands frequently, staying away from those who are sick, making sure
you’ve gotten all of your vaccines, and always using condoms during any
type of sex.