Health and Disease

• HEALTH is a state of complete physical and mental well-being.
• DISEASES disrupt this state and are classified as either COMMUNICABLE or NON-COMMUNICABLE. 

Communicable Diseases

• These are infections that SPREAD between organisms, often caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
• Examples include MEASLES, SALMONELLA and MALARIA. 

Non-Communicable Diseases

• These diseases do NOT spread from person to person and typically progress slowly. They include conditions like CANCER, DIABETES and CORONARY HEART DISEASE.

Interaction Between Disease Types

Diseases can INTERACT, where one may aggravate symptoms or lead to the development of another. For example:

• If someone had a DEFECTED IMMUNE SYSTEM, that person is more likely to suffer from infectious disease.
• Some VIRUSES living in cells can be the trigger for CANCERS.
• Immume reactions initially caused by a PATHOGEN can trigger ALLERGIES such as SKIN RASHES and ASTHMA.
• Mental health can also be affected by physical health issues, influencing a person’s overall well-being.