Infectious Diseases
Germs are everywhere. Some are harmless, but some can make you sick. Infectious diseases are diseases that are caused by germs. These germs can be transimitted by direct contact with a sick person (touching, sharing food/drinks, kissing, sexual contact, coughing, etc.); indirect contact (e.g. touching a door handle after a sick person has coughed into their hand and touched the handle); through contaminated food, water, soil, and plants; and though animal bites.
What can you do to help keep yourself safe?
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands often
- Pay attention to food safety
- Avoid contact with wild animals
- Practice safe sex
- Don't share items such as razors, toothbrushes, combs, and straws
For more information visit the National Institutes for Health, the CDC or the following topic pages: