October 24, 2014
How to Prevent Getting Ebola
As of the other day, a 2nd American nurse has contracted Ebola after caring for the unfortunate Liberian man, Thomas Eric Duncan. Regardless of how it happened, or how likely it is that the virus will continue to spread in the USA & Europe, there have been enough recent cases in both regions to raise the risk of Ebola affecting those of us who live outside of West Africa. We Bodyrockers are a global group. Unfortunately some of us may face off with the b!tch...it's too bad we can't just do some extra jump rope to ward it off.
Here is a collection of resources to help you increase your chance of staying healthy if Ebola shows up in your hometown. I’m not an expert by any means, so the below information is all sourced from experts.
Step 1 – Don’t catch it. Below are the CDC’s guidelines on how to prevent Ebola infection:
- Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick.
- Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
- Do not touch the body of someone who has died from Ebola.
- Do not touch bats and nonhuman primates or their blood and fluids and do not touch or eat raw meat prepared from these animals.
- Avoid hospitals in West Africa where Ebola patients are being treated. The U.S. Embassy or consulate is often able to provide advice on medical facilities.
- Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever (temperature of 100.4°F/ 38.0°C or higher) and any of the other following symptoms: headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Limit your contact with other people until and when you go to the doctor. Do not travel anywhere else besides a healthcare facility.
- Fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F)
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Unexplained hemorrhage (bleeding or bruising)