Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that specifically defines an infectious disease that can be transmitted directly from one person to another is "communicable disease." This category encompasses illnesses caused by infectious agents that can spread through direct contact with an infected individual, bodily fluids, or airborne transmission. Key examples of communicable diseases include influenza, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, all of which can be spread through various forms of person-to-person interaction.

While "contagious disease" often describes diseases that are easily transmitted through direct contact, it is actually a subset of communicable diseases, typically referring to those that spread more readily than others. "Infectious disease" is a broader term that includes any disease caused by an infectious agent, regardless of its mode of transmission. On the other hand, "non-communicable disease" refers to diseases that cannot be transmitted between individuals, such as heart disease or diabetes, which are caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Understanding the precise definitions and distinctions between these terms is essential for effectively identifying and managing infectious threats in a healthcare setting.