Diseases that can spread from one person to another are referred to as what?

Diseases that can spread from one person to another are referred to as contagious. This term specifically describes conditions that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected individual. For instance, contagious diseases can spread through respiratory droplets, physical touch, or contaminated surfaces, highlighting their ability to easily transfer from one host to another.

While the term infectious also relates to diseases caused by pathogens like bacteria or viruses, it encompasses a broader range of diseases that may not necessarily be spreadable from person to person, as some infectious diseases can be transmitted via other routes, such as through vectors or environmental sources.

Chronic diseases are long-lasting and generally persistent, often developing slowly over time. They do not pertain to how diseases are spread, so they are not relevant in this context. Terminal diseases are those that do not have a cure and ultimately lead to death; however, they can also be contagious or non-contagious. Thus, out of all the options, contagious is the precise term used to describe diseases that can spread directly between individuals.