As the long winter months finally come to an end, we break out of our wool-covered cocoons and head to the bars in sandals and short sleeves. Drinks are shared among friends and fellow students, but we must remember to keep our cups to ourselves. Unfortunately, not everyone got the memo, which has resulted in an increase in cases of the mumps around campus. This contagious disease is spread through saliva and there are now 95 confirmed cases reported by public health officials at Ohio State alone, 119 in the greater area of Franklin County.
How do you detect a case of the mumps, you ask? According to Medical News Today, symptoms do not appear until 2-3 weeks after contracting it. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, trouble swallowing, and swollen salivary glands. People who have gotten the MMR vaccine are not necessarily immune to the disease and there is no treatment once you have developed it.
We are sadly approaching the last few weeks of the school year and now is the time to take advantage of college life before heading home to work for the summer. It would truly be a shame to miss out on the crazy Daygers or Greek Week because you swapped spit with a sicko (no offense to them, just trying to watch my girl’s back). So, go out and have the time of your life! Just make sure to be cautious and stay healthy.