By Ayana Arroyo
Although we hear about it, every time we turn on the television, students shouldn’t be too worried about catching the Ebola virus.
While in class, a student near me was continuously coughing. Without really thinking about it, I found myself already deep in thought, about the Ebola virus.
The following day I talked with my friend about it and discovered that he too found himself thinking about the virus.
As I waited for class, I overheard a group of students, sitting on a bench, conversing about the same topic.
With constant updates and daily reminders on social media sites and news channels, it’s no wonder people are worrying about the virus.
We are given new information regarding Ebola every day. There are people on different news channels showcasing the way they are protecting themselves to ensure they don’t get infected.
In states that have been infected with the virus, there was a school shutdown and people were too frightened to buy food from their regular food truck.
With only three people currently infected with Ebola, within the United States, the worry should be slim. Students should think more about their midterms than getting infected with Ebola.
After reading into it, I discovered that Ebola shouldn’t be feared so much because it is only transferable by coming in to contact with bodily fluids of a person who is already infected.
Another way of becoming infected is through objects that have been contaminated with the virus. Also, a person infected must already be showing the symptoms to be able to pass the virus on to someone else.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, this means you cannot get Ebola through air, water or food.
Plus there have been no reports of someone being infected with Ebola in California, which means that cough your friend had the other day was probably something else.
Even though the chances of being infected with Ebola are small, students and staff should still take precautions to avoid getting themselves and others sick.
There is a greater chance of getting infected with influenza.
According to the CDC, it is best to get an annual flu vaccine in October, because it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to take full effect and help the body prevent itself from getting sick.
Students can visit their doctor or local pharmacies to get their annual flu vaccine and avoid getting sick.
If students find it difficult to get their vaccination outside campus, due to time issues or other reasons, students can get their vaccination on campus.
The Student Health Center located in G8-111 offers the vaccine. Visit the center for more information or call (323) 265-8651.