Protect Your Health: Let’s Learn How To Prevent Communicable And Non-Communicable Diseases

Diseases are mostly grouped into two types: communicable and non-communicable. Communicable diseases like flu, tuberculosis, and malaria are spread by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that can move from one person to another or through contaminated surroundings. Such diseases easily spread quickly, particularly in regions with few health and hygiene facilities.

Non-communicable diseases are illnesses whose principal causes are not infectious and cannot spread between people. These types of diseases are linked to factors like unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol. The ICMR mentioned in its 2017 report that the number of deaths caused by NCDs (non-communicable diseases) in India grew from 37% to 55% over nearly three decades, and more than half of mortality happened reaching 70 years of age. The percentage rose from 9% in 1990 to now being at around 61% in 2016. It is very important that people, particularly those living in developing countries, adopt a healthy way of life and get regular medical check-ups for NCDs (non-communicable diseases).

In this blog, we will first understand the distinction between communicable and non-communicable diseases and then, with details, discuss strategies that can help in the prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Remember, health is the ultimate health, and we must take action now to safeguard our future. Let’s get into the topic now.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Communicable And Non-Communicable Diseases? 

2. Prevention Of Communicable Diseases

3. Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases

4. Expert’s Advice 

5. The Final Say 

6. FAQs

7. References

What Are Communicable And Non-Communicable Diseases? 

Let’s first understand communicable and non-communicable diseases in detail: 

1. Communicable Diseases

Communicable diseases are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that spread through direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or vectors like mosquitoes. Examples include the flu, tuberculosis, and malaria.

How They Spread:

1. Direct Contact: Physical contact or animal bites (e.g., rabies).

2. Respiratory Droplets: Coughing, sneezing, or even talking (e.g., flu, COVID-19).

3. Contaminated Surfaces: Touching objects contaminated with germs (e.g., norovirus).

4. Vectors: Mosquitoes and ticks (e.g., malaria, Lyme disease, Zika virus).

2. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Non-communicable diseases are long-lasting health issues that cannot be passed from one person to another. These conditions grow slowly over time because of factors like unhealthy eating, not enough physical activity, smoking cigarettes, and drinking alcohol. Major NCDs include heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.

Also Read: How To Prevent Heart Disease & Have A Happy Heart | ToneOp 

Prevention Of Communicable Diseases

Prevention of disease from happening is just as important as finding ways to cure it. The actions taken to stop the spread of communicable diseases are important because they help save individuals' lives, diminishing pain and different symptoms. Prevention is known to halt the spread of diseases, thus reducing disease prevalence and keeping people healthier and more productive. 

Here are some preventive steps to take to prevent the spread of communicable diseases:

Also Read: The Role Of Nutrition in Chronic Disease Management | ToneOp 

Prevention Of Non-Communicable Diseases

In the case of non-communicable diseases, prevention requires a dedicated and sustainable approach. Let’s have a look at them:

Also Read: Disease X Pandemic In India: Symptoms & Strategies | ToneOp 

Expert’s Advice 

As a health expert, I would also stress the necessity of using disease-specific dietary interventions for communicable and non-communicable diseases. In cases of communicable diseases, good nutrition and properly balanced diets that contain vitamins and minerals are also significant in actively boosting the immune system and the healing process. 

A daily diet including foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants is likely to improve the immune system and fight against infections, unlike communicable diseases, where one can be cured after treatment. Dietary suggestions can be given to ease the symptoms. 

These are adopted through improving eating habits, such as taking a balanced diet, reducing the intake of processed foods and sugars, and integrating lean proteins and healthy fats. Other preventive actions are also important, such as controlling portion sizes and losing weight. 

Health Expert
Aditi Upadhyay

The Final Say 

To summarise, communicable and non-communicable diseases both impact our health, but different ways must be used to fight them. 

Communicable diseases come from pathogens and spread among people, affecting many individuals. That is why prevention measures like immunisation, keeping clean, and controlling pests are some ways to reduce disease spread. Communicable diseases, which are linked to how we live our lives, require us to take care of ourselves by eating healthy food, exercising, and staying away from bad habits. 

Remember, your journey to better health begins with a single step. Start today by making small, sustainable changes to impact your well-being positively. You can overcome health challenges and thrive with determination and a commitment to self-care.

FAQs

1. What are examples of non-communicable diseases?

• Heart Disease: A broad category of illnesses that impact the heart, including coronary artery disease.

• Diabetes: A disease in which the body struggles to control blood sugar levels.

• Cancer: A category of illnesses, including lung and breast cancer, in which cells proliferate out of control.

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Breathing disorders such as COPD or asthma.

2. What’s the main distinction between communicable diseases vs. non-communicable diseases?

Here is the difference between communicable and non-communicable diseases: 

• Communicable Diseases: These are infections caused by tiny organisms like bacteria or viruses. They can move from one person to another or through the environment and vectors—for example, the flu and tuberculosis.

  
  
  

• Non-Communicable Diseases: These are lasting health problems that do not come from infections and cannot be passed between people. They usually happen because of lifestyle choices, like heart disease or diabetes.

References

• Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

• Communicable or noncommunicable diseases? Building strong primary health care systems to address double burden of disease in India - PMC (nih.gov)

• Education and non-communicable diseases in India: an exploration of gendered heterogeneous relationships | International Health | Oxford Academic (oup.com)

• Frontiers | Integration of communicable and non-communicable diseases within the health system of India: A window of opportunity? (frontiersin.org)

• Noncommunicable diseases (who.int)

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