What's Going Around: Mono And Concussions

The flu seems to be slowing down, so our doctors from the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health tell us what else is going around.

Doctor Kathryn Zackery at the Sapulpa Indian Health Center is seeing cases of Mono. Mono can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. It goes away on its own, but rest can help you feel better.

Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, you may know it as the, "kissing disease."

The most common symptoms include a high fever, a severe sore throat and swollen glands and tonsils. Symptoms usually start four to six weeks after you are exposed to the virus.

If you have Mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like drinking glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.

While not an illness, it's a healthy reminder from doctors and researchers. As the weather gets nice, kids will be out playing more and participating in soccer or other high impact sports. That means the potential for concussions from constantly heading the ball or hitting into each other.

Soccer players, especially young ones, should not routinely head the ball. The brain is not fully developed until about age 25, making it more susceptible to injury.