No kisses!

As spring kicks into gear and the end of the semester comes into view, the last thing students want is to fall ill just in time for finals week. As students occupy close quarters such as classrooms, campus shuttles and dorm rooms, susceptibility to illness is inevitable. The transmissible and long-lasting nature of mononucleosis makes it one bug that can put a dent in anyone's semester.

According to Dr. Mary E. Stock, a senior physician at Student Health Services, mononucleosis is caused by what's known as the Epstein-Barr virus. Bodily fluids, particularly saliva, primarily transfer the extremely contagious virus, earning the nickname "the kissing disease." The most common warning signs of the virus include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

"Some people with mono may have no symptoms at all. Others may have more serious symptoms like abdominal pain due to swelling of the liver or spleen," Stock said.

Jennifer Weisedel, a junior psychology major, felt the symptoms right away when she was diagnosed with mono.

"I felt terrible. It felt like I had a cold only 10 times as bad," Weisedel said. "The worst part was my sore throat. I couldn't eat anything at all. Everything had to be soft, like pudding or something. And when it came to drinking anything, it was like torture."

According to Weisedel, other symptoms she experienced were severe pain in her neck and back. Since Weisedel came down with mono during the summer, she didn't miss any schoolwork, but she had to stay isolated from others.

"At the time I worked part-time at Tops and I was out for a couple months," Weisedel said.

Rebecca Norton, a junior psychology major, came down with the virus a few summers ago.

"I had this horrible sore throat and my glands were really swollen, I could barely swallow anything," Norton said. "I was like that for about three weeks, with it progressively getting worse. Finally, my doctor confirmed that I had mono."

Norton felt the fatigue that often accompanies mono, but did not suspect the virus as a cause.

"I was tired, but I didn't think it was because I had mono, I thought it was because I was working so much," Norton said.

Because she had a milder case, Norton only missed one week of work. Even a mild case of mono is still highly contagious though. Her friend caught the virus from her and ended up in the hospital due to a spleen infection, Norton said.

According to Stock, diagnosing mononucleosis usually starts with a physical exam. Blood, liver enzyme and antibody tests can all be done to confirm an instance of mono.

A test called Monospot is available through the Student Health Center in Michael Hall. The test is quick and effective, and unlike many other clinical tests, patients can get results the same day.

Like most other viruses, there is no defined medicinal treatment for mono. A regimen of rest and plenty of fluids are most often prescribed. According to WebMD, mono carriers should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least three to four weeks after symptoms appear due to the risk of spleen damage.

"People usually start feeling better in a few weeks, but sometimes the fevers and fatigue can persist for months," Stock said.

Because of its high transfer rate, students with the virus should be extremely cautious with their hygiene.

"Infected persons should be careful to wash their hands after touching the infected area, and not share cups or eating utensils with others," Stock said.

Any student who suspects mononucleosis should either contact their personal health care provider or contact Student Health Services located at Michael Hall on South Campus. More information can be found at their Web site at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/shs/student-health/.