The document discusses airborne diseases, which are caused by pathogenic microbes transmitted through the air via coughing, sneezing, or close contact. Common airborne infections mentioned include anthrax, chickenpox, influenza, measles, smallpox, and tuberculosis. Prevention involves avoiding sick individuals and practicing good hygiene. Chickenpox specifically is caused by the varicella zoster virus and causes a vesicular rash mainly on the body and head.