contagious illness crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "contagious illness" in your crossword? You've come to the right place! We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.
Solutions for "contagious illness crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
FLU: A common viral respiratory illness, easily spread from person to person.
4 Letters
COLD: A mild, common viral infection of the nose and throat, known for its quick transmission.
5 Letters
VIRUS: A microscopic infectious agent that replicates inside living cells, often causing contagious diseases.
6 Letters
PLAGUE: A contagious bacterial disease characterized by fever and delirium; historically, a devastating epidemic.
7 Letters
MEASLES: A highly contagious viral disease causing fever, cough, and a distinctive rash.
8 Letters
EPIDEMIC: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time, signifying its contagious nature.
9 Letters
INFECTION: The process of infecting or being infected with a disease-causing organism, typically implying contagiousness.
More About "contagious illness crossword clue"
The clue "contagious illness" is a broad one in the world of crosswords, designed to test a solver's vocabulary across various lengths and common health terms. From everyday ailments like the FLU or a COLD to more serious historical outbreaks like PLAGUE, the potential answers are numerous. The key to solving this clue often lies in the specific number of letters required by the puzzle and the context provided by intersecting words you may have already solved.
Understanding the nuances of what makes an illness "contagious" can also help. This term refers to diseases that can spread from one person or organism to another, either directly (e.g., through touch, coughs, sneezes) or indirectly (e.g., through contaminated surfaces). Common examples that frequently appear in puzzles include viral infections like MEASLES or more generic terms like INFECTION or EPIDEMIC, which describe the spread rather than a specific condition.
Crossword constructors often use common knowledge when crafting such clues. Therefore, thinking about widely recognized contagious diseases or general terms describing their spread will often lead you to the correct answer. Don't be afraid to try different options if your first guess doesn't fit the letter count!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always double-check the required number of letters for the answer. This is the single most important piece of information for broad clues like "contagious illness."
- Consider Commonality: For general clues, think of the most common or obvious examples that fit the letter count. Often, simpler answers like FLU or COLD are preferred by puzzle setters.
- Use Intersecting Words: If you have letters from words that cross the "contagious illness" clue, use them as vital clues. They will narrow down the possibilities significantly.
- Think Synonyms and Categories: Even if a specific illness isn't the answer, a broader category like VIRUS or a term describing its spread like EPIDEMIC might be. Expand your thinking beyond just specific diseases.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a crossword clue seems too general?
When a clue like 'contagious illness' is broad, first consider the number of letters you need. Then, think about the most common or well-known examples that fit that length. Often, constructors use the most obvious answers in these cases.
How do I choose the best answer when multiple options exist for 'contagious illness'?
The best answer depends on the specific crossword puzzle. Always check the number of letters required. Also, see if any letters are already filled in from intersecting words; these will often confirm the correct solution. Sometimes, the overall theme of the puzzle might also provide a hint.
Why do some crossword clues have so many possible answers?
Many clues, especially those for common concepts or categories like 'contagious illness', are designed to be versatile. This allows crossword constructors more flexibility when creating puzzles. The multiple answers make the puzzle more challenging and engaging, relying on the solver to use context and letter count.