That isn’t what you were talking about, and I was responding to, you just changed the subject.
Your scenario was people concealing the symptoms that they thought indicated Ebola, and hiding it to avoid quarantine.
I to disagree with you that Americans will think their kids have Ebola, and will usher them off to school anyway.
As far as your new scenario, people who think they have a cold or the flu might do what they always do when they think they have a cold or the flu, unless Ebola is in the news a lot, and then I think the typical American will be rushing herself and especially the kids, to the doctor.
And every hypochondriac in the country will be in the ED tomorrow sure they have Ebola. While those that really do have it will be home spreading it to others....
“As far as your new scenario, people who think they have a cold or the flu might do what they always do when they think they have a cold or the flu, unless Ebola is in the news a lot, and then I think the typical American will be rushing herself and especially the kids, to the doctor.”
Agreed. But at what point do I take my flu symptoms (or my children’s) as possible Ebola? I’m near Seattle. Do I take them in tomorrow if they show symptoms? Realizing that dozens of flights have arrived from the Dallas area already? Or do I wait until I hear of a case in Seattle? Or Salt Lake City?
And looking at my original post, I was of the mind that the person couldn’t believe that they could possibly have Ebola and that it was the flu. But - if you go to the doctor to get checked out for the flu - they will keep you until the Ebola tests come back.
I have no idea what that procedure is, or how long it takes.
It is interesting that this Dallas patient had been to a funeral in Liberia. Very likely an Ebola victim. And I have heard of the customs that make contamination of the friends and relatives very likely (hugging, kissing the deceased, etc.) Although I have also seen the photos from Liberia of people hauling a body out of a home all wrapped up in sheets and bound, with the workers in protective gear.
I hope that Ebola will not be a big deal in the U.S., and that you are correct that we will get a handle on it much more quickly.