Ebola should NOT be able to get a foothold here in the US of A. But significant spread is a non-zero possibility. Worried? Well, there is something YOU can do, today, to help our emergency preparedness, and help put your friends and family at ease. Get your flu shot.
The two viruses are unrelated. Ebola is dreaded, famous, new to the homeland, and probably will claim five or fewer lives from infection spread here in the US. Influenza is old news, but averages about 35,000 fatalities and 200,000 hospitalizations in this country every year.
Now imagine a worst case scenario. Ebola breaks containment and threatens a global pandemic. Every case of fever and ache more serious than a simple cold becomes a SWAT team emergency, raining suspicion, scrutiny, fear, and expense down on the patient, his or her family, and their couple of hundred closest associates. A huge inconvenience for everyone.
Malaria, dysentery, and flu all can be mistaken for early stage Ebola. Avoiding the first two is easy - don't visit the malaria belt. To avoid flu, wash your hands often, learn not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, and get your flu shot.
Just sayin'.