The Relationship Between Chronic Conditions and Infections

What is a Chronic Condition?

The term chronic condition refers to a broad spectrum of chronic and complex health conditions (both communicable and incommunicable) including mental illnesses, trauma, disability and genetic disorders (Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council 2017).

More specifically, chronic conditions can be defined as conditions that:

• Have several and complex causes;
• Can occur as a standalone condition or comorbidity;
• Generally have a gradual onset;
• Can occur at any age but are more prevalent with older age;
• Can adversely affect quality of life and cause limitations or disability;
• Are long-term and persistent, often causing gradual deterioration of health and loss of independence; and
• May contribute to premature mortality, even if not immediately life-threatening.