Match the following diseases into one of the two categories Infectious Non-Infectious Alzheimer's Malaria The common cold Cancer The Flu Heart Disease Diabetes Asthma

Disease Basics Disease – Any harmful change in your body or mind. Diseases can be caused by pathogens or “germs” like bacteria and viruses. These diseases are called Infectious Some diseases are not caused by pathogens, but are inherited diseases. These diseases are called Non-Infectious or Non-Communicable. The tissues, organs, and cells that fight pathogens make up your Immune System!

Infectious Diseases A disease that is caused by a pathogen or “germ”. YOU CAN CATCH THEM! Example: A virus will cause the flu Example: A bacteria will cause strep throat. Some Infectious diseases are Communicable – meaning they can pass from person to person. Example: The flu can be passed if someone sneezes on you. Example: Malaria is non-communicable because a mosquito carries the disease

Non-Infectious or Non-Communicable Diseases A disease that is not caused by a pathogen like a bacteria or virus – YOU CANNOT CATCH THEM! Example: Heart Disease or Cancer Example: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Example: Down Syndrome Many Non-Infectious diseases are chronic (lasts a long time). Many Non-Infectious diseases are related to lifestyle, while some you are born with. Sometimes our heredity determines if we will get the disease.

Prevention Ways to prevent Infectious Disease Washing hands. Getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol/cigarettes, and eating a healthy diet. Getting vaccines when available. Staying away from disease carrying animals or food/water that is dirty.

Prevention Ways to prevent Non-Infectious or Non-Communicable diseases Avoiding triggers if you have allergies or asthma Having a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise to prevent high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Taking medication for diseases you are born with, like asthma, allergies, and type 1 diabetes Going to the doctor regularly to get tested for things that may run in your family, like high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, etc.