To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Mono
Date sent: Mon, 7 Feb 2000 21:37:02 -0500
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

>> I spend about 30 hours a week doing office work, and the rest of the
people in the office get sick--a LOT-- and come in with fun things like 104
degree fevers and the like. Now one of them has mono...is there anything I
need to do to make sure I don't get sick? I know keeping oneself from
getting run-down is always good as well!<<

First, all that is called "mono" is not. But assuming it is infectious
mononucleosis, most of us have had it by age 30 - that is we have antibodies
to the Epstein-Barr virus that causes it. Most of us had a subclinical or
mild case so we don't remember it. Thus, if you are over 30, most likely
you are immune. (Who says there are only bad things about being old?)

If you are younger, or in general, good advice for avoidance of infections
of the respiratory tract includes:
*wash your hands a lot
*NEVER touch your mouth, nose or eyes unless you have just washed your hands
*get a reasonable amount of sleep
*wash your hands
*eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits
*get lots of fluids
*wash your hands again
*NEVER smoke

Other than that, you can wash your hands. Have I made my point about
transmission? Don't let anyone cough or sneeze into your face either.
Don't have kids, they carry germs (or wash their hands and your hands a
lot.)

Move to Antarctica - it's too cold for viruses there.

That's about it.

John

John Messmer, MD, Assistant Professor, Family & Community Medicine
Medical Director, Penn State Geisinger Health Group, Palmyra, PA

"Try not. Do or do not; there is no 'try'." -- Yoda