What term describes diseases that are capable of being transferred from person to person?

The term that describes diseases capable of being transferred from person to person is "contagious diseases." Contagious diseases are directly spread through contact with an infected person, their secretions, or through the air, making them significant in public health considerations.

Contagious diseases include infections like the flu, measles, and COVID-19, where transmission occurs easily and rapidly among individuals. Understanding this classification is crucial for EMTs and healthcare providers as it informs how to approach control measures, treatment, and prevention protocols.

Other terms presented, like non-communicable diseases, refer to conditions that cannot be transmitted from person to person, such as heart disease or diabetes. Chronic diseases are long-lasting conditions that may require ongoing management but do not necessarily imply transmissibility. Aging diseases typically refer to conditions associated with aging but also do not reflect transmissibility.

Recognizing the nature of contagious diseases is vital for maintaining public health and ensuring proper response measures in any medical situation.