Fearbola Hits Home

It's the hot topic on every social media outlet, on the television, on radio and all over the nation's news business. Rising panic on Ebola in the United States. I learned in the last few weeks that this panic is so great, that you could lose friends over a joke on Ebola, I also learned that trying to get on an airplane and joking about Ebola is a big no-go.

So why all of a sudden a panic on the virus? Maybe it's because people who have suffered the true flu understand the pain a virus can leave you in with no help in sight. The truth of the matter is that, what I like to call headline skimmers, are creating a bigger panic than necessary. Along with false articles spreading on Facebook.

“It's easier to catch hysteria, then it is to catch education,” Valley County Health Department Executive Director Connie Boreson said.

While it's true our nation for the first time ever had a domestic contraction of the virus. Two nurses contracted it from a man who caught the virus in Africa. Those nurses have been chastised in the media, in particular one who took a trip on a plane to continue planning her wedding. They've since been cleared of the virus, and no one caught the virus from them.

My belief and opinion is the way the airlines and others have handled the situation has created the panic, along with plenty of misinformation. Landing an airplane and bringing men in hazmat suits to take a passenger off a plane, who only joked of having the virus. Sanitizing an entire plane, and reupholstering everything in it after one nurse only had a low-grade fever. Publicizing everyone in only mild contact going into isolation for 21 days. These are only extra precautions, they aren't necessary. Self monitoring is most definitely necessary.

So let's get to some facts here. Ebola is actually rather difficult to catch. Unlike the flu, you'd have to come into contact with bodily fluid and they would have to make entry into your own. That is the reason why those caring for victims are usually those at most risk. It's a horrible virus that makes a painful death. The panic is, as Marketing Director Nick Dirkes from our local FMDH explained, “there's no magic bullet.” There's no pill, no cure and no positive solution. A lot of it as staying hooked up to saline and staying hydrated and waiting it out.

Ebola is not coming to a town near you, and that's a fact. Family members of Thomas Duncan, the man who died from the virus in Texas and had direct contact while he suffered from symptoms were cleared from quarantine. Nurses often dealing with human waste. They have to clean up whatever comes out. They have a hard job and taking off their equipment isn't as easy as it might seem. The nurses most likely contracted the virus from either disposing of waste or taking off their gear.

Our local hospital, FMDH, and the county's health department are taking this chance to work on training and using this as a drill. During the last few weeks they will look over plans that cover universal precautions, including the flu, which is more likely. The Enterovirus D-68 also had one confirmed case in Glasgow, so basic sanitization, containing waste and keeping things contaminated are important.

“It's a good opportunity to reach out to community partners,” Dirkes said. He explained that they have been working with the Valley County Health Department and keeping lines of communications open for any kind of outbreak.

Saralyn Potter, who is in charge of infectious disease control at FMDH, explained that the staff is not only working on how to use protective equipment but how to be comfortable with it. She reiterated what Dirkes explained that they are taking this opportunity to walk through procedures and protocols.

Boreson also said that the lines of communication are better than they have been and that with some of the hysteria in the public, it's helped them work with the hospital better and keep in contact with the Center of Disease Control.

The truth is, that you are much more likely to die of the flu. In Africa, the top killer, even with the Ebola epidemic, still isn't Ebola. In Africa you're more likely to die from AIDs or from hunger. In America, you're more likely to die from the flu.

As flu season is in full swing Potter and Boreson explained that the public should really be paying attention to washing their hands and keeping to yourself and staying home when you're sick. Getting your flu shot might be a good idea, as well as staying hydrated and rested.

For those curious about the facts of Ebola, they can visit the CDC (Center of Disease Control) website http://www.cdc.gov. Both the county health department and the hospital are recommending anyone with questions to visit the site. Flu shots are available at the Glasgow Clinic and the health department, but you might want to call ahead before getting your shot.

Montana Governor Steve Bullock announced in the last week that new protocols are now going into affect. Montanans returning from Ebola affected areas in Africa will be required to have direct monitoring by public health officials twice a day. Monitoring will also cover plans on whether activities such as travel or trips to public places will be permitted. Bullock also put a command team together for Ebola preparedness for the state.

“There's no need to panic, it's not going to happen here, but it's always good to be prepared,” Potter said.