What does the flu have to do with Ebola?

If you watch TV, read the paper or listen to people while standing in line at your favorite coffee shop, you will hear the sounds of people talking about Ebola — anything from hyped-up risks to people in hazmat suits to save themselves from contamination.

What you don’t hear is your chances of getting Ebola are incredibly small. You are more likely to contract – and die from – everyday infectious diseases such as the flu.

We know that every year tens of thousands of people potentially die of the flu, and 100,000 or more may be actually going to the emergency room and hospitalized because of the flu. We know the flu is airborne; Ebola is not.

Take a minute to compare those numbers to Ebola: so far, two people (both healthcare workers) have contracted Ebola in the U.S. At least 30 million will get the flu. One person has died in the U.S. from Ebola (and he did not get the disease here). If this is a typical year, 23,000 people will die from the flu. Which are you more worried about now?

Instead of sitting in front of your TV or listening to what your mother heard the neighbor say because she read that so-and-so said — you get the point — you can dramatically reduce your chances of getting many of these deadly infections by taking two steps. First, please get a flu shot. Everyone should be vaccinated for flu!

The other easy protection is regular hand washing, with soap and warm water. In the grocery store, hospital, schools, use a gel dispenser when you walk in and when you leave. If they are not available, find a sink and wash up for 20 seconds. You might save a life.

Don’t get me wrong. Ebola is deadly. And without proper infection control it can spread quickly. But right now, you are at vastly greater risk from flu and other common infections than from Ebola. Protect yourself and your family by getting a flu shot, washing your hands and making sure those who work around you wash their hands.

Oh, and turn off the TV.

Michelle Rountree is a Public Health Nurse for the state of Alaska Division of Public Health. Contact her at 352-6600, or send email to michellerountree@alaska.gov.