Don't know if anyone has this problem. I get fever blisters every now and then. Before I get them, I can tell when one is coming and apply medicine which keeps them small. However, since becoming a ref and having the whistle in my mouth most of the game, the blisters sometimes spread to another part of the mouth. I clean the whistles with Peroxide and replace at half time if only working one game, or between games if 2. Anybody know how to stop this from happening? Is there something I can do during dead ball or time out? Thanks for your help in advance.

[Edited by OldCoachNewRef on Jan 8th, 2004 at 12:42 PM]

I try to never use a whistle 2 games in a row without cleaning it well...I put them in the dishwasher then soak in listerine or some such (never thought of peroxide). I also switch whistles after the first if I work a 2 game set.

And I never, ever (ever) take a whistle from someone else. If I lend my whistle to someone else they get to keep it.

Does your whistle cause this problem? I don't have that problem.

Fever blisters aren't developing on one side of your mouth because you're using a whistle and have a blister on the opposite side. I can have one and kiss my wife, but she doesn't get fever blisters because I have them.

In the interest of my health I would kindly request that you refrain from kissing your wife while you are ill.

:p

I've got a real good one but it would probably get me in trouble. :)

Let's just said I'm "covered" if you're sick. :D

blech !!***#
 

I can play that game, too.

I reach in my bag and <U>hope</U> that my dirty socks haven't touched my whistle.

mick

Or during a game.

Yes, I really think the whistle made the virus (blister) spread. I usually get one in one area and it goes away pretty fast (3 or 4 days). The last time (about 3 weeks ago) I got one, I had another on the other side and another on the upper lip. I think by taking the whistle out or even just repositioning it, the germ caries. And BBR, I can kiss my wife on the lips on the other side, but I wouldn't try the opposite of violatio with her (how cunning).

[Edited by OldCoachNewRef on Jan 8th, 2004 at 02:52 PM]

peroxide
 

Peroxide is a very poor antiseptic despite what your mother may have taught you. You might want to try something a little stronger to actually sterilize your whistle and then use the peroxide to rinse the whistle at the end.

Another satisfied CMG user.

I tape my whistle before a game. When the game's over, the tape goes in the trash. I don't know if that would help your situation or not. I do it for the cushion, but it might help to remove any germs left over from your last game.

What kind of tape do you use?

It's just black athletic tape that I got from the local sporting goods store. Probably made for taping hockey sticks or something, but I put a thin strip around the whistle for padding.

Chuck,
Have you tried the fox with the padding on the end of it? The first time I tried it it felt like I was biting on a 2x4 but after I got used to it I like it...