Stanford university student’s willingness to keep a certain kissing “tradition” alive has caused the flu and meningococcal meningitis to run rampant in the dorms.
The New York Times reported the tradition is when people in different classes come together and kiss whoever.
While some might not look at the kissing orgy as problematic; the events has caused, those who participated, to fall ill in the dorms.
The event is called Full Mooning and takes place on the Quad. One Stanford student talked wrote about her own experience during the Full Moon on Stanford Daily.
The University has tried to ban the tradition; however, they have been unsuccessful, so now they are offering options to the students as part of practicing safe kissing. Listerine is offered during the Full Moon, offer shots to combat the flu and mono, create an atmosphere where people do not feel pressured to participate, and have the event overseen by sobriety monitors.
Peer health educators live in the dorms and give students tips on what they should and should not do such as, not flossing beforehand so no to open any place for germs to get in. Dental dams are also offered.
This Full Mooning needs to end, while some may only get the flu, strep throat, or meningococcal meningitis it won’t be long before herpes, which can be spread orally, become an epidemic for the school.