Community Health & Illness Prevention

Infectious mononucleosis, or mono, is a contagious disease that is common among young adults, especially college students. Mono is usually but not always caused by the Epstein Barr Virus and is typically transmitted through bodily fluids, especially saliva. Protect yourself from contracting mono by not kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items that come in contact with saliva (toothbrushes, chapstick, etc.) with someone who has infectious mononucleosis.  

Symptoms 

• Extreme fatigue
• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Head and body aches 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Rash 
• Swollen liver or spleen (diagnosed by a physician) 

Relieve symptoms at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Avoid contact sports and follow the recommendations of your health care provider for how long to stay home to recover and prevent transmission to others.  

Read more about infectious mononucleosis.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness. Annual vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your community from influenza. Flu vaccines can prevent infection, but if you are infected being vaccinated can lessen symptoms, speed recovery, and reduce transmission to others. Flu vaccines are usually available starting in mid-September at the Student Health Center Pharmacy.  

Symptoms

• Fever
• Muscle or body aches 
• Fatigue 
• Headache 
• Cough 
• Other respiratory symptoms

While the symptoms of the flu are similar to those of COVID-19 or the common cold, treatment is very different. Most people have a mild illness and are able to recover at home, but flu can be serious or life-threatening in some and is responsible for seasonal epidemics.

Seek medical care if you experience  

• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
• Trouble breathing 
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest 
• New confusion 
• Inability to wake or stay awake 
• Bluish lips or face 

Read more about influenza and campus and community resources.

Measles is a contagious virus that spreads when a person inhales droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can also land on surfaces, and a person may contract measles if they touch an infected surface and then touch their mouth, nose, and/or eyes.  

Measles not just a rash. It is a serious and highly contagious disease that can cause long term effects, including hearing and vision loss, lung tissue damage, and encephalitis. According to the CDC, unvaccinated students in universities are at increased risk of measles infection. The best method to prevent yourself and others from getting sick is to get two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV), which also include protection from mumps and rubella. The CDC estimates that two doses of the vaccine are approximately 97% effective in protecting against measles, while receiving one dose is about 93% effective.  

Symptoms of measles, which typically show up 7 to 14 days after exposure to the virus, include  

• A high fever 
• Runny nose 
• Cough 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Rash all over the body, which typically occurs about 3-5 days after symptoms first start 

If you are unsure if you are vaccinated against measles, have recently travelled to an area with community spread of measles, and you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately and inform the health care facility of your symptoms before you visit. You should isolate yourself from others, particularly others who are also unvaccinated; avoid public transportation; and carefully consider masking when you go to your appointment. 

Learn more about measles.

MPX is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. In 2022, the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began tracking a global outbreak of MPX. Generally, person to person transmission occurs through close, skin-to-skin contact or through touching items (like clothing, bed linens, and towels) that previously touched the infectious rash.   

Symptoms  

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Headache 
• Muscle and back aches 
• Exhaustion 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home and schedule an appointment with the Student Health Center. If a health care provider tells you that you have MPX, avoid sexual activity or intimate contact with others, and avoid skin-to-skin contact until your rash is fully healed and fresh skin has formed. 

Tennessee Department of Health’s MPX vaccine information and eligibility.

Read more on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website about MPX.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious viral infection with a wide range of symptoms.Some people may be at an increased risk of serious COVID-19 disease, but anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Vaccination remains the best way to protect against serious complications from COVID-19. 

Symptoms  

• Fever 
• Cough and congestion 
• Chills 
• Headache 
• Sore throat 
• Nausea and diarrhea 
• Loss of taste or smell 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, stay home, seek testing, and consider masking if you must be in close contact with others.  

Seek medical care if your current symptoms are worsening or if any of these symptoms develop  

• trouble breathing 
• persistent chest pain or pressure 
• new or worsening confusion 
• inability to wake or stay awake 
• pale, blue, or grey nail beds or skin, depending on your skin tone 

Read more about the viruses that cause COVID-19, the university’s response, and community resources.

Skin infections occur when bacteria infects the skin through a small cut or break in the skin. To prevent skin infections, be sure to wash hands frequently, rinse cuts with mild soap and water, and abstain from sharing towels or other personal items. Depending on the type of infection present, symptoms may vary. 

Symptoms  

• Redness 
• Itching 
• Swelling 
• Pus-filled abscesses 
• Pain 
• Tenderness to the touch 
• Rash 

Self-care for skin infections includes keeping the area clean and dry, applying warm compresses for small boils, and over-the-counter ointments and medicines.  

Seek medical care if

• your rash spreads or worsens despite appropriate home care. 
• you notice red lines or streaks radiating from the infection. 
• your rash leaks pus or fluid, swells excessively or is excessively red, or is painful or tender. 
• the surrounding skin is numb, patchy, or changes colors. 

If your rash is spreading rapidly, it makes it difficult to move, or you experience fever, chills, dizziness, or muscle aches, you should seek emergency medical care. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs or STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. Some STIs such as herpes and HPV are spread by skin-to-skin contact.  

Symptoms may include 

• Unusual discharge
• Rash 
• New lumps or growth 
• Itching 
• Blisters 
• Sores or warts in the genital area or any area with skin-to-skin contact
• Burning with urination
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain with intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Testicular pain and/or swelling

Seek medical testing and treatment if you are experiencing any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection or if you are informed by a sexual partner that they are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection.  

If you choose to be sexually active, you can reduce your risk of STIs by using barrier methods consistently and correctly. Free safer sex supplies are available at the Student Health Center and the Center for Health Education & Wellness (CHEW).

Read more about common STIs and how they affect adolescents and young adults at the CDC’s website.

Acute gastrointestinal illness (GI) occurs when you’re infected with a virus, bacteria, or parasite that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, also known as gastroenteritis. This inflammation causes symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal pain. Ingesting toxic chemicals, such as large doses of drugs or alcohol, can also cause acute gastroenteritis.  

Most GI illnesses resolve themselves after 1–2 days. At-home care for GI issues includes drinking plenty of fluids; avoiding dairy, greasy foods, or any spices that may upset the stomach; and following the BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, and toast). While you are ill, you should wash your hands frequently and avoid cooking food or caring for others to control spread.  

Seek medical care if you experience 

• Diarrhea lasting longer than two days 
• High fever 
• Six or more loose stools a day 
• Vomiting often 
• Severe pain in the abdomen and/or rectum 
• Stools that contain blood, pus, or are black and tarry 
• Any additional symptoms of dehydration 

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils caused by streptococcus bacteria. If you are concerned you may have strep throat, seek medical treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent more serious disease. Health care providers may prescribe antibiotics, which are very effective in relieving symptoms and reducing spread to others. 

Strep throat is transmitted by respiratory droplets, which means it can be spread by close contact with an infected individual, touching something contaminated and then touching your face, or by eating or drinking with the same utensils someone with strep throat used. The best way to prevent strep throat is through consistent hand and respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you can’t find a tissue. Wash and sanitize your hands often, particularly after you cough or sneeze. 

Symptoms  

• Sore throat, especially one that starts quickly 
• Pain when swallowing 
• Fever 
• Red and swollen tonsils, frequently with white spots or streaks 
• Small red spots on the roof of the mouth 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

Symptoms of strep throat generally do not include cough, runny nose, hoarseness, or pink eye. 

If you have strep throat, you should stay home from class or work until you no longer have a fever AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours, or as long as your health care provider advises. If you live in a residence hall or in close quarters with others, you should maintain physical distance as much as you are able and wipe down shared surfaces regularly with a sanitizing wipe. 

Learn more about strep throat.