Don't Let Ebola Scare You Into Your Home: 3 Tips For Staying Healthy

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With all the deadly diseases going around, you may feel like staying locked in your home. You may be afraid of the Ebola virus, which has now found its way to the United States. While Ebola is a frightening disease, you don't have to stay hidden away in your home to avoid it.

The most important thing you need to know about Ebola is that it's not an airborne virus. This means that you aren't going to contract the disease by being in the same airspace as someone who is infected. You must come in direct contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, mucus, vomit, or diarrhea. Here are a few helpful tips you should follow when heading outside.

Limit The Amount Of Surfaces You Touch

Dry Ebola germs can remain infectious for anywhere from several hours to several days. This means that if someone with the virus sneezes into their hand and then touches a doorknob or railing, the mucus will remain infectious. To avoid coming in contact with the virus, you should limit the amount of surfaces that you touch throughout the day.

One way to avoid contamination is to open doors with your foot or with your elbow. While this might seem silly, you rarely have your elbows or feet near your face, which is where the danger of contamination is the greatest.

Wash Your Hands Or Use Sanitizer

The Ebola virus is not a strong virus in germ form. Ordinary disinfectants, such as bleach or rubbing alcohol, will kill the germs. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially after coming in contact with surfaces or after using the restroom. It is particularly important that you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before touching any part of your face.

Don't Touch Your Mouth, Eyes Or Nose

You probably touch your face several thousand times a day. In fact, according to one statistic, most people touch their faces about 3 to 5 times every minute. Whether it is to scratch your nose or rub your eyes, your hands are always somewhere on your face. Unfortunately, that makes it much easier for deadly germs to find their way into your body. Try limiting the amount of times that your hands come in contact with your face, especially if you haven't washed your hands.

Ebola is a dangerous disease that has caused a great deal of concern. While there is a cause for alarm, there is no need to panic. Following these simple safety tips can help keep you safe. If you do come in contact with someone who has been infected with the Ebola virus, you should contact a physician like MediCenter immediately.


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