How Can I Protect Myself Against Ebola?

How Can I Protect Myself Against Ebola? (0:36)

The number one risk factor for contracting Ebola is direct contact with an infected patient, says Darria Long Gillespie, MD, chief doctor at Sharecare. In this video she explains the precautions you can take to protect yourself.

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For the number one risk factor for Ebola is being in direct contact with the fluids, the body fluids of somebody who has Ebola. So for the general public, they're not going to be exposed to someone with Ebola, and then won't have the risk factors for it. If somebody does care for a patient with Ebola, they need to observe the strictest protocols for keeping themselves safe and avoiding exposure to Ebola.

If you have traveled to the African continent, and think you were exposed to Ebola, it is important to call your State's Department of health, or the CDC info line, to find out the next steps and symptoms for which you should be monitoring yourself.