Health Information

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BRAT Diet

Mononucleosis information

Influenza Information

BRAT Diet - Clear Liquids

Dietary treatment for diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting includes the following:

1. Ice chips or sips of water only, until vomiting stops.

2. Consume only clear liquids for 24 to 48 hours. Start with small quantities of water first and slowly increase volume of fluid intake, adding: weak tea with or without sugar or honey; flat Pepsi, Coke, 7-up, Ginger Ale (bubbles can be stirred out with a spoon); apple juice diluted to 1/2 strength with water (no other fruit juices); Kool-aid; Jello; Broth; Gatorade diluted to 1/2 strength with water.

3. As the diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting significantly improve the following may be added slowly: Bananas; Rice, rice cereals, noodles, potatoes (may be lightly salted or seasoned with broth); Apples, applesauce; Toast, bread, crackers (without butter; jelly or jam is acceptable)

4. When the diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting has resolved for 24 hours on the BRAT diet (#3 above), lean meats, fruits, and vegetables should be tried gradually for one to two days more. At this point, dairy products may be added one at a time in limited amounts. Continue drinking lots of clear fluids. (Urine should be clear, not yellow.)

NOTE: Dairy products (milk, butter, cheese, and eggs) should not be ingested until the problem is completely resolved. Orange juice, grapefuit juice and fried, spicy, or fatty foods should also be avoided.

Adapted from Emergency Medicine: A Quick Reference for Primary Care by John Hocutt, MD

MONONUCLEOSIS

What is Mono?

Mono, or infectious Mononucleosis, is an illness caused by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). It varies in severity from a mild illness with barely noticeable symptoms to a more serious one which occasionally requires hospital admission. It occurs most commonly in adolescents and young adults. About 100 cases of mono are seen at the Ithaca College Health Center every year. Spread is mainly through intimate contact and exchange of saliva, which is why it is sometimes called the "kissing disease". However, it is not highly contagious. It does not occur in epidemics, is rarely passed to roommates and no special isolation precautions are needed.

What are the symptoms?

There is usually an incubation period (when the virus is in the body but there are no symptoms) of about 30-50 days. Typically, a person with mono then starts to feel fatigued, develops a sore throat, swollen neck glands, and a low grade fever. There is sometimes abdominal discomfort caused by enlargement of the spleen, and occasionally mild jaundice (yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes) caused by inflammation of the liver.

How is Mono diagnosed?

If mono is suspected, a definite diagnosis can be made by means of a blood test called a "Monospot". The blood test may not be positive during the early stages of infection, and may need to be repeated. A complete blood count is usually done as well. This may show the characteristics atypical mononuclear white cells associated with mono.

Are there any complications of Mono?

Mono usually gets better over a period of about two weeks. There may be some residual fatigue lasting several more weeks. The most serious complications is rupture of the spleen, but this occurs extremely rarely. The spleen is an organ that filters and stores blood cells. It is situated in the upper abdomen on the left, just under the ribs. In mono it becomes larger and softer than usual, making it more susceptible to rupture from a blow or sudden jarring or straining (e.g. weight lifting). If the spleen were to rupture, there would be severe abdominal pain, often followed quickly by dizziness and fainting. To minimize this risk, strenuous activity and contact sports should be avoided for about 4 weeks after contracting mono.

How is mono treated?

Mono gets better without specific treatment, but several prescription and non-prescription medications can be used to help alleviate the symptoms while the infection runs its course. Pain killers, such as Tylenol or Advil help to ease throat pain and fever, and a short course of Prednisone (a type of anti-inflammatory steroid) might be prescribed to bring down swelling in the throat and glands. Antibiotics are not useful for mono but are occasionally needed to treat a co-existing strep throat. Adequate fluid intake and rest are important aids to recovery. Alcohol consumption and strenuous activity should be avoided for about four weeks after the diagnosis of mono.

Are relapses common?

No. It is extremely rare to get mono more than once. Tiredness may sometimes recur in the recovery period, but this will gradually diminish; full recovery without any lasting problem is the expected outcome.

Influenza

Influenza Symptoms, Protection, and What to Do If You Get Sick

Influenza (commonly called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The information below describes common flu symptoms, how to protect yourself and those close to you from getting the flu, and what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms.  Flu symptoms can last for up to a couple of weeks (especially the cough) but generally people feel most ill at the beginning of the illness.

Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

•  Fever (usually high)

•  Headache

•  Tiredness (can be extreme)

•  Cough

•  Sore throat

•  Runny or stuffy nose

•  Body aches

•  Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

Rest, Fluids, and Over-the-Counter Medications

If you get the flu, there are some actions you can take at home:

• Rest

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Avoid using alcohol and tobacco

• Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu

Know How the Flu Spreads

The flu usually spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets when people who are infected cough or sneeze. People occasionally may become infected by touching something with influenza virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Healthy adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 5 days after getting sick. Therefore, it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.

Habits for Good Health

These steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze—throw the tissue away after

you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are

not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from

others to protect them from getting sick too.

• If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. In this way you will

help prevent others from catching your illness.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

Prevention

Receive a yearly flu shot.

Information above is from the CDC.