Final answer:
A contagious disease can be spread by contact with a patient suffering from it or with their secretions or objects touched by the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disease that can be spread by contact with a patient suffering from it or with some secretion of or an object touched by such a patient is known as a contagious disease. It can be transmitted through direct contact with the person or their bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or lesions, as well as indirect contact with objects that have been contaminated by the patient. Examples of contagious diseases include the flu, cold viruses, mononucleosis, and oral herpes.