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Ebola Virus: Should You Be Worried?

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By now, all of us have heard about the deadly virus that has affected hundreds of thousands of people in the African continent, and killed nearly half of the people infected with it. Naturally, people back home wish to know if they should be worried, and whether they and their families are safe, especially since the virus has now come to the US. Most experts feel that there is nothing to fear, especially since all cases have been contained. However, if you are travelling to any of the areas having the outbreak, particularly countries in West Africa, you must follow all possible safety precautions and even watch out for signs and symptoms like:

  • Fever over 101 F
  • Unexplained rashes and bruising
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal/muscular pain
  • Severe headaches
  • Diarrhea

Do call your doctor right away if you have these or other symptoms.

What causes the disease?

Ebola mainly spreads through direct contact with contaminated body fluids (vomit, blood, feces, semen, saliva etc) from other Ebola patients, or animals. Thus, if you happen to have come in contact with people who are sneezing, coughing or have had high fever or who have returned from areas having the outbreak, then chances of getting Ebola naturally go up. Likewise, handling raw meat of apes, wild game, monkeys etc could also possibly spread the disease. Coming in close contact with needles or other contaminated surfaces can also cause Ebola. People who have visited patients with the disease or even been to hospitals where the sick are housed must have themselves tested for the disease and watch out symptoms listed above.

How can you protect yourself against Ebola?

  • Frequent hand washing is the best way to avoid getting the virus. Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer where water is unavailable.
  • Avoid touching the urine, semen, saliva, feces or blood of people who may be sick with the virus.
  • Do not touch the patient’s needles, bedding, clothing, infected needles, and medical equipment.
  • Avoid touching the body of patient who has died of the disease.

Remember:

You Can’t Get Ebola Through:

  • Food,
  • Water,
  • Air,
  • Handling currency,
  • From mosquitoes,
  • Through swimming etc.

The CDC has also declared that Ebola virus, at the moment, poses no significant risk to the people of United States.

Ebola Traveling Safety

People who will be traveling on air planes wish to know if it is safe to do so. Experts warn that the disease can come through this medium. Unfortunately, the incubation period of the Virus is 21 days. So, if a person has travelled to any of the outbreak countries, s/he could pass the disease to others but not have symptoms which can come after a few days.  Follow all precautions like washing your hands frequently and if possible, wear a surgical mask.

If you are traveling to any of the regions with the disease, make sure you avoid crowded areas, markets, cinema halls and other public transport etc. Also check your temperature several times during the day.  Call your doctor even if you are asymptomatic. This way, s/he can evaluate your risk and contact public health department if needed.

Although the risk of Ebola in US is very low, let us all take precautions to prevent its spread.

The post Ebola Virus: Should You Be Worried? appeared first on CNOshen.


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