Which term refers to diseases that can be transmitted between individuals?

• A. Infectious Diseases
• B. Bloodborne Pathogens
• C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• D. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer: (A)

Infectious diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another. They’re caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and can spread through multiple routes—direct contact, respiratory droplets, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, sexual contact, or insect vectors. This broad ability to spread between individuals is what defines infectious diseases and is why infection control and PPE are essential in prehospital care. Bloodborne pathogens, by contrast, are a subset of pathogens transmitted specifically through blood (like HIV or hepatitis B), not all infectious diseases. OSHA and HIPAA are regulatory terms, not diseases.