How Do I Prevent Myself From Being Infected by The EBOLA virus? Doctor Answers!

Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) is the human disease caused by the Ebola virus. Symptoms typically start two days to three weeks after contracting the virus, with a fever, sore throat, muscle pains, and headaches. Typically nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea follow, along with decreased functioning of the liver and kidneys. At this point, some people begin to have bleeding problems.
The virus may be acquired upon contact with blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal (commonly monkeys or fruit bats). Spread through the air has not been documented in the natural environment. Fruit bats are believed to carry and spread the virus without being affected. Once human infection occurs, the disease may spread between people as well. Male survivors may be able to transmit the disease via semen for nearly two months. In order to make the diagnosis, typically other diseases with similar symptoms such as malaria, cholera and other viral hemorrhagic fevers are first excluded. Blood samples may then be tested for viral antibodies, viral RNA, or the virus itself to confirm the diagnosis.
Here are Dr. Cary's tips for you to prevent infection in the health care setting. Dr Cary is a medical practitioner based in the united states, this was culled from huffingtonpost.

• Make it your rule to always wash your hands or use an alcohol hand rub every time before and after entering a doctor's office or hospital or medical facility of any kind.
 
• Follow the official guidelines for hand washing, and use soap and running water, lather for 20 seconds, and dry with a clean towel.
 
• Use alcohol rubs or sanitizers if your hands have been clean and are not contaminated with dirt, soil or waste. If they are contaminated, use hand washing and dry towels after.
 
• Insist that your doctors, nurses, technicians, and aid workers wash their hands before touching you or your food to reduce risks of infection. 
 
• If you want to shake hands, have a pat on the back or a hug from your physician, wash your hands after to be sure you remain healthy.
 
• Do not visit people who have infections. If you must visit, avoid touching as much as possible.

Social gestures are important to feel welcome, express trust, show gratitude, and conclude visits with a hopeful tone. Find the best way between you and your doctor to have these feelings (a bump, a wave, a Namaste, a bow or even a hand shake), but do not increase your risk of infection in the process. Put in place a better, safer habit not only for yourself, but also everyone in your family. Always be aware of others as a possible source of illness, and be cautious in how you interact with people.