Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The term that defines an infectious disease capable of being transmitted directly from one person to another is "communicable disease." This classification includes diseases that have the potential to spread through direct contact with an infected individual or through indirect means, such as via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes.

Communicable diseases often highlight the importance of infection prevention measures, as understanding modes of transmission can help in controlling outbreaks. Examples include influenza, tuberculosis, and common cold viruses. By contrast, while "infectious disease" is a broader category that encompasses all diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, not all infectious diseases are easily spread from person to person (some can be transmitted through other routes, such as through contaminated food or water).

Although "contagious disease" often is used interchangeably with "communicable disease," it typically refers specifically to those diseases that are more easily spread, especially through direct contact. In contrast, "non-communicable disease" includes conditions that cannot be transmitted from one person to another, such as most chronic diseases. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective infection control practices.