Every moment of every day, you are in contact with microscopic organisms so small that they can only be seen through a microscope. Some of these organisms have the ability to cause illnesses that can be transmitted from one person to another by direct or indirect contact. These illnesses are referred to as communicable diseases.

While it is almost inevitable that you will contract a communicable disease, such as a cold or the flu, there are preventative actions you can take. If you do become sick, it is important for you to take precautions in order to keep from spreading the pathogens. In this topic, you will learn about communicable diseases and explore ways to avoid them. This will help you build a healthy foundation for a lifetime.

Essential Questions

• What are communicable diseases and how are they spread?
• How can you avoid contracting a communicable disease?