The entrance of the Ebola virus into the USA has caught the attention of almost everyone. First appearing in 1976 in an outbreak near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, the virus was originally transmitted through direct contact with infected wild, tropical animals such as fruit bats, monkeys, and gorillas, then further spread through direct human-human contact (through broken skin or mucus membranes). Ebola’s reputation as an acute, serious illness with fatal implications has triggered varied responses from US residents on how to deal with the consequences of the virus’ entry into US soil.
Risk Factors
While the risk of contracting the Ebola virus is generally low for most people, you must be aware of potential risk factors that can increase your chances of acquiring the virus.
1) If you travel to Africa. Ebola viruses are generally concentrated in Africa.
2) If you are a health-care worker that treats patients associated with areas or people stricken by Ebola.
3) If you conduct research on wild animals. Wild animals imported from Africa may be virus carriers.
4) If you prepare someone for burial who has died of Ebola for burial. Their bodies are still contagious.
Symptoms
The incubation period for symptoms of Ebola to appear is anywhere from 2 to 21 days. Therefore, be aware if any of the symptoms and risk factors is associated.
- Sudden Onset Fever
- Extreme Fatigue
- Muscular and Joint Pain
- Vomiting
- Unexplained Hemorrhaging
- Stomach Pain
Preventative Treatment
Recovery from Ebola is highly dependent on a patient’s immune response. Nonetheless, a patient can have a more resilient immune system in order to battle any potential viral combatants. In order to strengthen the immune system, there are a number of all-natural herbs that can provide support. Herbs such as Echinacea, astragalus, and eleuthero bolster immune function and help fight infections with their high value of antioxidants and inflammation inhibitors.
Other herbs that boost immunity are:
- Goldenseal
- Korean Red Ginseng
- Camu Camu
- Saint John’s Wort
Dietary Intervention
The foods that you consume can have a large impact on your immune system, thereby affecting your immune response to any irritants. It is best to enjoy all organic foods and eliminate all meat products. Many processed foods are filled with pesticides and chemicals in order to gain flavor and/or a longer shelf life. These pesticides and chemicals are harmful to your immune system and disrupt your hormonal balance. Foods that are high in nutritional value, such as organic fruits and vegetables are essential to obtaining the proper quantity of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
