Among the top three causes of death in Australia, which one is not a chronic disease?

• A. Coronary heart disease.
• B. Dementia.
• C. Covid-19.
• D. Cancer.

Answer: (C)

This question tests how we classify diseases as chronic (non-communicable) versus infectious. Chronic diseases are long-lasting, ongoing conditions that aren’t caused by infections and aren’t easily resolved; they require ongoing management and care. In Australia, the major chronic causes of death include coronary heart disease, cancer, and dementia—conditions that persist and progress over time.

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It typically presents with an acute illness, spreading from person to person, and is not categorized as a chronic condition in public health terms. While some individuals may have long-term effects after infection, the disease itself is not considered a chronic disease. That makes Covid-19 the best answer.