Be proactive, take precautions to remain well

By Julia Campisano 

The newest buzz is the recent spread of Ebola here to the United States from West Africa. Though the outbreak in West Africa is much worse than the few cases here, the public is questioning if we will have another epidemic on our hands.

But surprisingly, the spread of the deadly disease can easily be prevented.

According to the CDC, there is not a vaccine available for the disease, but by practicing careful hygiene, even by simply washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, while avoiding contact with blood and body fluids can prevent you from getting the disease.

But what if the disease really does begin to spread here in the States? “If a person develops a fever, see a doctor immediately.

if Ebola is known to be in the area, and take extra precautions, especially if you have been out of the country,” NAHS school nurse Megan Fitzgerald, said. “Stay home, cover your mouth, wash your hands, and get a flu shot. Take proper care of yourself in general.”

Though Mrs. Fitzgerald has no experience for treating the disease, she has received information from the Department of Education for Ebola prevention. She says the disease should be taken seriously.

“People have died, so it should definitely be taken seriously,” she said.

Students agree. They say the disease needs to be seen as a more serious topic, especially since there are many people dying from Ebola everyday in other third world countries.

“I think that people should be aware of it, because it is a really scary thing,” sophomore Morgan Almon, said. “But I think the media is making a big deal of it even though it has been around for a long time.”

“It’s scary because it spreads easy, but the doctors have it under control and it shouldn’t spread easily here in the U.S,” sophomore Nathan Johnson said. “I don’t think it’s that serious because they are keeping all of the sick people under close watch.”