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Suggest Precautions To Take To Prevent Ebola Epidemic

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Posted on Thu, 30 Oct 2014
Question: Hi! I'm not sure which specialist I would choose for this but with this whole EBOLA epidemic in XXXXXXX now, I'm really worried. Worried sick. I'm wondering what I can do to lessen the chances of contracting this deadly disease. How can I boost my immune system fast and in a big way?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ebola is easily preventable

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM,

Ebola is a deadly disease but it can be prevented easily.

It is not an air borne virus. So you cannot get it by travelling next to a person who is infected. It is not spread through water or food.

It spreads through direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth with the blood or body fluids like urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, semen etc of an infected person with clinical illness.

It can spread through objects like needles and syringes that have been contaminated with the virus.

So the only precaution you need to take is to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person through broken skin or mucous membrane.
Proper hand washing with an antiseptic is very important if you touch anything that may be contaminated and do not touch eye, mouth or any other mucus membrane after touching any contaminated material.

A vaccine is developed and is awaiting the mandatory approval.

There is no passive immunization available.

The best way to boost your immunity is to follow a healthy lifestyle.
Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat.
Exercise regularly.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Don’t smoke.
If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
Get adequate sleep.
Avoid stress and follow stress relieving measures like yoga or relaxation techniques.
Supplements, vitamins and antioxidants may help but opinion is divided in this area.

Relax, if you follow what I have advised, there is no reason to fear EBOLA.

You are welcome to ask more queries, if you have.
Take Care
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (7 hours later)
Hi doctor. But it is somewhat airborne. It CAN in fact be transmitted from one person to another if the person next to me sneezes in my direction only a foot away. What do I do then??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible if the droplet falls on a mucus membrane

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,

You have a point there. Even though the virus is heavy and does not normally spread by droplet infection like the flu virus, it may be present in the droplets and may travel a foot. Any body getting so close to a very sick person, like the healthcare workers should wear protective mask, clothing and goggles.

Best wishes,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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Suggest Precautions To Take To Prevent Ebola Epidemic

Brief Answer: Ebola is easily preventable Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX, Thank you for posting your query on HCM, Ebola is a deadly disease but it can be prevented easily. It is not an air borne virus. So you cannot get it by travelling next to a person who is infected. It is not spread through water or food. It spreads through direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth with the blood or body fluids like urine, saliva, sweat, feces, vomit, breast milk, semen etc of an infected person with clinical illness. It can spread through objects like needles and syringes that have been contaminated with the virus. So the only precaution you need to take is to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick person through broken skin or mucous membrane. Proper hand washing with an antiseptic is very important if you touch anything that may be contaminated and do not touch eye, mouth or any other mucus membrane after touching any contaminated material. A vaccine is developed and is awaiting the mandatory approval. There is no passive immunization available. The best way to boost your immunity is to follow a healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in saturated fat. Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight. Don’t smoke. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Get adequate sleep. Avoid stress and follow stress relieving measures like yoga or relaxation techniques. Supplements, vitamins and antioxidants may help but opinion is divided in this area. Relax, if you follow what I have advised, there is no reason to fear EBOLA. You are welcome to ask more queries, if you have. Take Care Dr. Noble Zachariah