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No, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers Aren’t Like What the Movies Show
Sure, they’re scary, but your risk of catching them is low… And next to non-existent if you’re in the “Global North.”
You’ve probably heard of Ebola, and maybe even Marburg or Lassa fever, but what exactly do these viruses have in common — aside from sounding like titles of disaster movies? They’re all part of a terrifying family of diseases called viral hemorrhagic fevers, or VHFs for short. And while their names alone might send a shiver down your spine, understanding them doesn’t have to.
Let’s break down what makes VHFs so unique, how they spread, and what the chances are of stumbling across one in your lifetime. (Spoiler alert: the odds are probably lower than getting struck by lightning unless you’re in a high-risk area.)
What Exactly Are Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers?
VHF is a term for a group of illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses. They have one key feature in common: they can affect the body’s ability to control bleeding. But let’s clear up a misconception right away — VHFs don’t make you bleed out like in a horror flick. Most patients experience only mild bleeding, like bruising or nosebleeds, though severe cases can lead to internal…
