CDC Warns Against Kissing Balls
Posted in News Stories, Science on Nov 17th, 2009
ATLANTA, GA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today issued a stern warning against kissing balls.
The CDC fears that kissing balls — which involves the oral transmission of copious amounts of saliva from person-to-person — may lead to widespread disease, a global flu pandemic, and even death.
“Kissing balls may seem like harmless fun, but in fact can be extremely dangerous” said Dr. Ann Tybody, the CDC’s Interim Deputy Director for Science, Public Health, and Oral Hygiene. “Given the risk of disease transmission, particularly with the advent of the H1N1 flu virus and the delay in vaccine distribution, we strongly recommend that the public avoid kissing balls.”
Government officials are particularly concerned about young adults, who tend to minimize the risks associated with kissing balls. “We especially need to reach out to this high risk group,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Seeballsus, who today announced the launch of a new public service ad campaign, “Kissing Balls? Not Cool.”
But some have expressed frustration with the new government guidelines. “It’s bad enough we’re supposed to treat sick people like lepers, wash our hands fifty times a day, and panic every time we get a cold,” said Jenna Tull, a Los Angeles, California massage therapist. “And now we’re supposed to avoid kissing balls?”
If you absolutely cannot avoid kissing balls, the CDC recommends the following precautions:
- Persons with influenza-like illness (ILI) (i.e., fever with either cough or sore throat) should avoid kissing balls until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
- Kissing balls should involve the use of a facemask or respirator.
- Disinfect balls with soap and water, an alcohol-based hand rub, or hydrogen peroxide.
Kissing balls may be hazardous to your health
