Is It Contagious? Test Your Medical IQ
Q:Is pink eye contagious?
The correct answer is: • Yes
Explanation:
Viral and bacterial pink eye infections are contagious and spread very easily. Since most pink eye is caused by viruses for which there is usually no medical treatment, preventing its spread is important. Poor hand-washing is the main cause of the spread of pink eye.
Q:Scabies: Contagious or not?
The correct answer is: • Contagious
Explanation:
Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. The primary symptom (and incredibly itchy, pimply rash) results when the female mite burrows into the skin and deposits eggs.
Note: The term "scabies" refers to both the condition and the mite which causes it.
Q:_________________ is contagious.
The correct answer is: • Mononucleosis
Explanation:
Infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as "mono") is contagious and spread by person-to-person contact, mainly through saliva. Infectious mononucleosis is also known as the "kissing disease." Malaria, a very dangerous disease, is not contagious. Malaria is transmitted by Anaopheles mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasite.
Q:Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes are contagious.
The correct answer is: • False
Explanation:
The rash, blisters, and infamous itch associated with poison ivy, oak, and sumac come from urushiol (pronounced oo-roo-shee-ohl) found in the sap of these plants. Neither the oozing blisters nor the fluid cause further spread on the affected person's body, and the rash can not spread to another person.
Q:Athlete's foot is contagious.
The correct answer is: • True
Explanation:
Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is spread through contact with infected skin scales or contact with fungi in damp areas (showers, locker rooms, swimming pools). Treatment may include topical creams (applied to the surface of the skin) or oral medications. To prevent athlete's foot, avoid wearing other people's shoes or slippers.
Auto Next Question:
Reviewed by Mary Nettleman, MD, MS on January 13, 2011
Images provided by:
1. iStockphoto
2. iStockphoto
3. iStockphoto
4. iStockphoto
5. iStockphoto
6. iStockphoto
7. iStockphoto
8. MedicineNet
9. iStockphoto
10. iStockphoto
11. iStockphoto
12. iStockphoto
13. MedicineNet
14. iStockphoto
15. iStockphoto
16. iStockphoto
17. iStockphoto
18. iStockphoto
Sources:
MedicineNet: Malaria
<http://www.medicinenet.com/malaria/article.htm>
CDC: Emergency Preparedness and Response
<http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/quarantine>
WebMD: Pinkeye
<http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/pinkeye-topic-overview>
WebMD: What Is Flu?
<http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/what-is-flu>
WebMD: Understanding Canker Sores
<http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-canker-sores-basics>
WebMD Image Collection: Skin Problems
<WebMD Image Collection: Skin Problems>
MedicineNet: Infectious Mononucleosis
<http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/article.htm>
WebMD: Common Cold: Too Sick to Work?
<WebMD: Common Cold: Too Sick to Work?>
MedicineNet: Eczema
<http://www.medicinenet.com/eczema/article.htm>
MedicineNet: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
<http://www.medicinenet.com/poison_ivy/article.htm>
WebMD: Carbuncles
<http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/carbuncles-causes-treatments>
MedicineNet: Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
<http://www.medicinenet.com/infectious_mononucleosis/article.htm>
MedicineNet: Upper Respiratory Infection
<http://www.medicinenet.com/upper_respiratory_infection/article.htm>
WebMD: Tuberculosis (TB) – What Increases Your Risk
<http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/tuberculosis-tb-what-increases-your-risk>
WebMD: Tuberculosis (TB) – What Happens
<http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/tuberculosis-tb-what-happens>
MedicineNet: Group A Streptococcal Infections
<http://www.medicinenet.com/streptococcal_infections/article.htm>
MedicineNet: Hives
<http://www.medicinenet.com/hives/article.htm>
MedicineNet: Malaria
<http://www.medicinenet.com/malaria/article.htm>
MedicineNet: Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
<http://www.medicinenet.com/shingles/article.htm>
CDC: Hygiene-related Disease
<http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/athletes_foot.html>
MedicineNet: How to Prevent Athlete's Foot
<http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55264>
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: 
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the eMedicineHealth Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
© 1996-2013 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved.
Source quiz on MedicineNet
