Ebola is a terrifying virus and now that it has found its way to the United States, many people are scared they will contract it.
While your chances of catching Ebola are still pretty slim, there are some symptoms you can watch for.
Some of these symptoms mimic those of other diseases and illnesses, so if you are experiencing any of them or think you may have Ebola or another illness, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
The most common symptoms of Ebola include, fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising.
These symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 21 days from the time that a person is exposed to Ebola.
Health experts are worried people will confuse symptoms of the flu with Ebola. The difference between the two, at 10. pic.twitter.com/f0TD6jmd28
— WKOW 27 (@WKOW) October 9, 2014
While Ebola is a severe illness and a contagious one, it can only be contracted by coming in contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.
Ebola does have a high death rate, but people who are diagnosed and cared for in a proper facility are much more likely to survive than infected people who do not seek medical care or wait to see a doctor.
Get the facts about #Ebola. An exposed person must be sick and have symptoms to spread Ebola to others. pic.twitter.com/qBFzbMziMa
— CDC Emergency (@CDCemergency) October 6, 2014
While the only known cure or treatment for Ebola is still being tested and only available in very small amounts, hospitals can treat the symptoms of Ebola and make the patient more comfortable. They can also watch for dehydration and excessive blood loss, two of the most deadly aspects of the illness.
Hospitals are also capable of quarantining people who are infected with Ebola to make sure that they do not infect other patients or hospital staff members.
People who recover from Ebola usually develop antibodies that protect them from catching the virus again for at least 10 years.