What kind of infection is contagious

Some — but not all — infectious diseases spread directly from one person to another. Infectious diseases that spread from person to person are said to be contagious. Some infections spread to people from an animal or insect, but are not contagious from another human. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hib disease is a serious illness caused by bacteria. Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease, but it can also affect adults with certain medical conditions.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus HIV. Human papillomavirus HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US that can cause certain cancers and genital warts. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can result in severe, sometimes permanent, complications including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. Here's a list of common contagious skin diseases and their causes: Impetigo — This infection is spread by contact with the sores of an infected person, and most often affects infants and children.

Molluscum contagiosum — This virus spreads to other body parts by scratching or from person to person. In adults, molluscum contagiosum is often acquired through sexual contact. Fungal infections — People get fungal infections from breathing in or brushing up against fungal spores in the environment. Most often they affect people with weakened immune systems. Scabies — This infection is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin to live and feed.

The infection spreads from skin-to-skin contact or from infested items such as furniture and bed linens. Ringworm — You can get this fungal infection from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.

Shingles — Shingles develops from the same virus that causes chicken pox. Symptoms Contagious skin diseases present with a wide range of symptoms.

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