ExecutiveChronicles.com | What Is the Difference Between a Communicable and Noncommunicable Disease? | COVID-19 has taught us a lot. We know we need to be more vigilant about preventing the spread of disease. Things like wearing masks and toting around a spare bottle of hand sanitizer are likely here to stay. Some have questions about staying safe in a world that seems to have emerging diseases all of the time.
One of the most common questions people have is about the difference between communicable and noncommunicable disease. Read on to learn about them and how they impact the workplace.
What Is Communicable Disease?
When we discuss things like disease transmission, we’re talking about communicable diseases. Communicable diseases are diseases that pass from one person to another. The source of the disease is typically something like a virus, but it can also include bacteria.
HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, the common cold, and the flu are all examples of communicable diseases.
They are passed from person to person in a number of different ways. Some are airborne and can be spread through close contact with infected persons. Others are passed through coming into contact with specific bodily fluids like blood. Understanding how a disease transmits from person to person helps you put effective preventative measures into place.
What Is Noncommunicable Disease?
Noncommunicable diseases are diseases that are not contagious and therefore cannot be spread from person to person. This typically means that the cause of the disease is not from a virus or bacteria.
Examples of noncommunicable diseases include allergies, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Of the two possibilities, noncommunicable diseases are more likely to result in mortality than communicable diseases.
The difference isn’t always so cut and dry, though. Some diseases can have forms that are both communicable and noncommunicable. For example, pneumonia can be caused by a virus or bacteria, but it can also be caused by the inhalation of toxic fumes. The latter example is noncommunicable.
Workplace Considerations
The best thing you can do to keep your workforce healthy is to take the necessary steps to keep your office clean and sanitary. That might mean hiring a professional cleaning crew to clean up at night. If you operate a medical office, consider hiring a medical office cleaning company with plenty of experience.
You can also promote health in your office by allowing employees who are showing symptoms to work from home until their symptoms resolve. At a minimum, consider paid sick leave to prevent sick people from showing up to work.
Worried About Communicable and Noncommunicable Disease in the Workplace?
Communicable and noncommunicable disease can have a tremendous impact on the world around us. While noncommunicable disease cannot be spread from person to person, it can impact your workplace. Take steps to keep your office safe and clean to improve productivity and employee morale, alike.
Are you interested in learning more ways to do everything from improving sales to creating an innovative workplace? You’re in the right place! Check out the rest of our blog for tons of fresh content that’ll keep you on the cutting edge.
