2008 Woodie Awards
Kissing disease spreads
Amanda Woods
Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Mononucleosis, the infamous kissing disease, has taken its toll on the UTC campus, according to officials.
This contagious virus, more commonly known as mono, has been reported in more than 20 cases on campus this fall, Chris Smith, director of the Student Health Center, said.
Because mono is transmitted by person-to-person contact, Smith said she encourages students to respect personal space.
"People are not vigilant in keeping their bodily fluids to themselves," she said.
Even though mono cases are rising on campus, Smith said it is "not another plague," but only multiple cases of students who have been exposed to the Epstein Barr Virus.
Smith also advised students not to avoid friends who do have mono, but use common sense while with them.
"Students should remember that germs from mono, the flu or the common cold are all transmitted in the same manner. Mono is caused by a virus, therefore there are no medications that will cure the student," Smith said.
"The way to prevent mono is by avoiding contact with the saliva of someone who has mono or who recently had it," she said.
According to a mass e-mail sent by Chuck Cantrell, assistant vice chancellor of university relations, the only treatment for the virus is rest, hydration and medicines to control other symptoms.
These symptoms may include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue, Cantrell said.
According to Smith, mono symptoms are slow in surfacing and students may begin experiencing symptoms 30 to 50 days after the initial exposure.
Because of this, students may confuse the beginning mild symptoms as the common cold, but if symptoms worsen, students should seek medical treatment, Smith said.
Unlike the common cold, mono usually lasts for about four weeks, she said. This may result in long rest periods and absence from class.
In extreme cases, the health center may write a note of excuse.
Eric Thompson, a Columbia, Tenn., senior said he had mono last fall and had to withdraw from classes.
"It was hard to do homework and be motivated. All I wanted to do was sleep all the time," Thompson said.
After a diagnosis from the health center, Thompson said he was able to withdraw from all his classes without failing, and he received his scholarships back.
Because only a blood test and physical exam can confirm or rule out if a student has mono, officials said they urge students to seek a diagnosis at the UTC Student Health Center at 425-4453 if they are suffering from symptoms.
This contagious virus, more commonly known as mono, has been reported in more than 20 cases on campus this fall, Chris Smith, director of the Student Health Center, said.
Because mono is transmitted by person-to-person contact, Smith said she encourages students to respect personal space.
"People are not vigilant in keeping their bodily fluids to themselves," she said.
Even though mono cases are rising on campus, Smith said it is "not another plague," but only multiple cases of students who have been exposed to the Epstein Barr Virus.
Smith also advised students not to avoid friends who do have mono, but use common sense while with them.
"Students should remember that germs from mono, the flu or the common cold are all transmitted in the same manner. Mono is caused by a virus, therefore there are no medications that will cure the student," Smith said.
"The way to prevent mono is by avoiding contact with the saliva of someone who has mono or who recently had it," she said.
According to a mass e-mail sent by Chuck Cantrell, assistant vice chancellor of university relations, the only treatment for the virus is rest, hydration and medicines to control other symptoms.
These symptoms may include fever, sore throat, swollen glands and fatigue, Cantrell said.
According to Smith, mono symptoms are slow in surfacing and students may begin experiencing symptoms 30 to 50 days after the initial exposure.
Because of this, students may confuse the beginning mild symptoms as the common cold, but if symptoms worsen, students should seek medical treatment, Smith said.
Unlike the common cold, mono usually lasts for about four weeks, she said. This may result in long rest periods and absence from class.
In extreme cases, the health center may write a note of excuse.
Eric Thompson, a Columbia, Tenn., senior said he had mono last fall and had to withdraw from classes.
"It was hard to do homework and be motivated. All I wanted to do was sleep all the time," Thompson said.
After a diagnosis from the health center, Thompson said he was able to withdraw from all his classes without failing, and he received his scholarships back.
Because only a blood test and physical exam can confirm or rule out if a student has mono, officials said they urge students to seek a diagnosis at the UTC Student Health Center at 425-4453 if they are suffering from symptoms.
