Health and types of disease

What is health according to the WHO?

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

What is a communicable disease?

A disease caused by a pathogen that can be transmitted between organisms.

What is a non-communicable disease?

A disease that cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

What is a pathogen?

A disease-causing microorganism or infectious agent.

Why can having one disease increase susceptibility to another?

The first disease may weaken the immune system or damage protective barriers, making it easier for another pathogen to cause infection.

How can HIV increase susceptibility to other diseases?

HIV damages immune system cells, making the body less able to fight infections.

How can damage to the skin increase the risk of disease?

It breaks a physical barrier that normally prevents pathogens entering the body.

What are examples of non-communicable diseases?

Cardiovascular disease, many cancers, some lung diseases and liver diseases.