Shallow Thoughts

I haven't been posting because I'm still trying to balance school and life right now, but as I sat studying for my Medical Microbiology exam last night I felt incredibly pathetic.

My worst fear is getting herpes from sharing a friend's Starbucks or chapstick. Yes, I've said it before and I'll say it again. The thought of cold sores give me the chills. I think its the worst thing ever.

But people in Africa? Let me tell you about them. They're worst fear is Ebola; after getting infected you get a rash and bleeding out of your skin, as well as your nose and mouth.

Maybe I'm wrong and they fear polio. The last case in the US was in the 1970s, but in Africa you could end up with permanently damaged nerves and limbs that waste away over the years.

What if they fear Rift Vally Fever that leads to encephalitis (brain inflammation)? Do they know they're one mosquito bite away from malaria? Do they lie awake at night wondering if they could have HIV? Do they worry about passing it to their children, and leaving them orphaned as infants?

Honestly, I'm ashamed of my fear of herpes. How incredibly, amazingly blessed we are simply because we live on a wealthy continent. It's so easy to take it for granted when someone asks for a sip of my drink.