As news of the Ebola outbreak has increasingly dominated headlines, we are prepared to support employees and their family members who may be experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety as a result.
Our approach in working with those struggling with these emotions is to encourage them to be informed, to help them gain and retain perspective, equip them with tools to manage stress and cultivate health and resiliency, and encourage them to seek additional support when needed. We encourage you to share the below information with your employees.
Ebola: Staying Informed While Keeping Perspective
As Ebola has grown into a worldwide concern, ongoing news reports about its spread may give rise to feelings of stress, anxiety and fear of the future in some people. Such responses are understandable, given the disease's uncertainties and the poor prognosis for many who contract it. For those individuals with family and friends in affected areas or who work in healthcare settings, or have family members who do, these feelings may be more intense.
Working with your Employee Assistance Program to help manage your fear and anxiety around the spread of the disease can start with getting information about the facts and realities of Ebola, as well as getting the support you need to develop resiliency during times of stress, and to avoid fixating on the worst-case scenario.
What is Ebola?
The Ebola virus is the cause of a viral hemorrhagic fever disease. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lack of appetite, and abnormal bleeding. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus, though 8 to 10 days is most common.
How is Ebola transmitted?
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected, symptomatic person. This commonly occurs though exposure to objects (such as needles) that have been contaminated with infected secretions.
Can Ebola be transmitted through the air?
No. Ebola is not a respiratory disease like flu, so it is not transmitted through the air.
Can I get Ebola from contaminated food or water?
No. Ebola is not a food-borne or water-borne illness.
Can I get Ebola from a person who is infected but doesn't have any symptoms?
No. Individuals who are not symptomatic are not contagious. In order for the virus to be transmitted, an individual would have to have direct contact with an individual who is experiencing symptoms.
Although Ebola is a threat that is being taken very seriously by public health authorities worldwide, do not let your worries about this disease control your life. There are many simple and effective ways to manage your fears and anxieties. Many of them are essential ingredients for a healthy lifestyle and adopting them can help improve your overall emotional and physical well being.
What You Can Do:
- Keep things in perspective. Limit worry and agitation by lessening the time you and your family spend watching or listening to upsetting media coverage. Although you'll want to keep informed—especially if you have loved ones in affected countries—remember to take a break from watching the news and focus on the things that are positive in your life and things you can control.
- Get the facts. Gather information that will help you accurately determine risks so that you can take reasonable precautions, if appropriate. Find a credible source you can trust such as your physician, a local or state public health agency or national and international resources such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. If you work in healthcare, be sure to stay informed of and follow all safety protocols outlined by your employer. If you have questions or concerns, take them to your supervisor or human resources department.
- Stay healthy. A healthy lifestyle—including proper diet and exercise—is your best defense against any threat. Adopting hygienic habits such as washing your hands regularly will also minimize your exposure to all types of germs and disease sources. Eat healthy, avoid alcohol and drugs and take a walk or exercise. A healthy body can have a positive impact on your thoughts and emotions.
- Keep connected. Maintaining social networks and activities can help maintain a sense of normalcy and provide valuable outlets for sharing feelings and relieving stress. This may also be an ideal time to become more involved with your community by receiving and sharing effective information obtained from reliable sources.
- Seek additional help. Individuals who feel an overwhelming nervousness, a lingering sadness or other prolonged reaction that adversely affects their life, work or relationships should consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional through VITAL WorkLife. Our master's and doctorate-level counselors can help you deal with stress and anxiety, and are available to you whenever you need support—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. For those in the nursing profession, you may also ask to make an appointment to speak telephonically with a caring, experienced nurse peer coach—someone who has walked in your shoes. As always, our supportive services are confidential and available at no cost to you.
