Kissing Grandma Sally might not be a chart topper on college students' list of favorite things to do, but at least that wrinkly smooch of red lipstick is going to be Mononucleosis-free. Swapping spit with boyfriends, girlfriends or even complete strangers on campus is a different story.
"Mononucleosis is a viral illness that can cause fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes," said Dr. Mary E. Stock, a senior physician at Student Health Services. "It is usually due to the Epstein-Barr virus."
Epstein-Barr is an extremely common virus from the herpes family and sometimes leads to the infectious mononucleosis, also known as the "Kissing Disease."
"It's contagious and is spread through exposure to body fluids, primarily saliva," Stock said. "[But] once infected, you are immune to the virus."
According to the American College Health Association's most recent National College Health Assessment from fall 2007, data based on a reference group of 17,000 students nationwide revealed only 2.2 percent reported experiencing mono during a 12-month period.
This means at least 374 students reported having symptoms of mono based on a student population similar to the size of UB's. According to WebMD, symptoms of mono include persistent fatigue, headache, sore throat, fever and muscle aches.
"I had an extremely terrible case of mono [freshman year]," said Julie Perez, a senior communication and psychology major. "My glands were so swollen that it felt like I swallowed glass every time I swallowed."
Luckily for Perez, she contracted the illness during winter break and was able to recover before the spring semester began.
"Because I took care of myself with vitamins and endless wheat grass shots, it only lasted for about three weeks," Perez said. "If I had mono during the semester I probably would have had to resign my courses because I [did not] have the energy to keep up with the schoolwork."
Sometimes mono isn't as forgiving or timely as being restricted to semester break. According to Tim Druzbik, a sophomore geography major, the illness sneaks up on its victims and makes completing schoolwork near impossible.
"I had it my first weekend back and I was forced to drop out for the semester," Druzbik said. "I would have been more than a month behind and the workload would have been too much."
While Druzbik suffered for over a month with a fever and sore throat, other students like Mike Reim, a senior environmental psychology major, struggled even longer to recuperate from the infection.
"I had symptoms for almost four to five months and it took forever to fully recover," Reim said. "I actually felt depressed and struggled with anxiety after sleeping so much for so long."
Students feeling weighed down by symptoms can seek available services on and off campus. According to Stock, physicians can perform a preliminary exam in order to check for symptoms of mono, and then follow up with lab tests that include blood count, liver enzymes and antibody testing.
"There is a rapid test available through the Sub Board laboratory in Michael Hall called a Monospot," Stock said. "[It] takes minutes to perform and students can get the results before they leave the office."
If students leave Michael Hall with a confirmed bout of mono, chances are they won't be buying any antibiotics or prescriptions. According to Stock, most patients with mono usually start feeling better after simply resting for a few weeks.
"Like most other viral illnesses, there is no specific treatment for the disease," Stock said. "Rest, fluids and avoiding strenuous activity for a month is always recommended."
Students can also screen their kissing habits a little better in order to prevent locking lips with the wrong person and spending a month in-and-out of catnaps.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
