The national scare is more contagious than the actual virus 

One of the biggest topics in today’s news is the Ebola virus.

This topic is very contagious, unlike the virus itself; once one person mentions it, everyone’s talking about it. It’s like a bowling ball knocking one pin down and then that pin knocking down another.

People are making a huge deal about the spread of Ebola; don’t get me wrong—yes, it is scary, however it is not easy to contract the Ebola virus.

The virus itself is very infectious, meaning a small amount can cause serious illness. However it is not very contagious because it is not airborne, meaning it is not transmitted through the air. The only way for the virus to be transmitted through humans is through the contact of bodily fluids from an infected human or animal. The virus also cannot be transmitted after recovery from it.

The only reason medical staff is contracting the virus is because they are in such close contact with the patients being treated for it; not because it is very contagious. When you think about it, being in the hospital puts you at risk for contracting any kind of virus or illness because there are so many germs and bacteria there, as well as any public environment.

Yes, Ebola is a scary phenomenon, but it’s not that easy to contract it. All you have to do is stay away from someone who might have it, which, in this case, is not many. Those who have left the country of Africa specifically and those who have treated patients with the virus are the only ones to worry about.

My advice is to wash your hands, stay clean and don’t visit a patient with Ebola or someone that has treated a patient with Ebola. Most importantly, don’t submit to the hysteria surrounding this disease—you’re more likely to contract an STD than you are to contract Ebola.