Which of the following is an example of a communicable disease?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Influenza
• C. Hypertension
• D. Asthma

Answer: (B)

Communicable diseases are those caused by pathogens that can be passed from one person to another (or from animals or the environment to a person). Influenza fits this because it’s caused by an influenza virus and can spread through respiratory droplets when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. That ability to move from person to person is what makes it communicable.

The other conditions are non-communicable. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that isn’t spread by contact with someone else. Hypertension is high blood pressure, a condition tied to physiology and lifestyle rather than an infectious agent. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway condition, not something you catch from another person.