Common Colds Are Biggest Time Losers In Industry: Cause Of Major Illnesses

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 47, 18 May 1948, Page 3

Common Colds Are Biggest Time Losers In Industry: Cause Of Major Illnesses

(By the Department of Health)

It is estimated that about third of all time lost to industrythrough sickness is due to the common cold and its complications. The common cold isn’t just a matter of a few days’ running nose and eyes and a heavy laundry bill for handkerchiefs. Its complications include not only sinus, ear' and mastoid infection, but authorities declare that colds are contributing # causes of arthritis and neuritis. They may also cause severe relapses of' chronic ailments such as asthma, rheumatic heart diseases and diabetes. They predispose to infection with scarlet fever and meningitis. Their role as forerunner to grippe, influenza and pneumonia is well known. -In more than 70 per cent of lobar pneumonia, it is estimated that a cold preceded the onset.

When secondary infection takes place, the cold will probably last from three to four weeks. We all know that colds are contagious and infectious; at this time of the year and right through to spring we should take the utmost care not to expose ourselves to such infection —or noj to pass it on when we get it.

Avoid spray (that is, droplets) from the nose or mouth of people with runny noses or from sneeezs. Stay away from others who’ve caught a cold. Use a handkerchief, or paper tissues, when sneezing and coughing. Wash hands frequently, especially before meals. Eat proper and sufficient foods at meals three times daily. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid dissipation and unnecessary depletion of energy. Get some daily exercise in the open air. Wear enough clothes to keep warm outdoors and remove extra clothing indoors. When a cold gets you, go to bed immediately, keep warm; drink fruit juices and large quantities of water and take only light foods. A day of two in bed at the beginning of a cold may prevent dqys or weeks of sickness later. If you’re feverish and have body aches or weakness, or chest pains, call a doctor. Your, “cold” might be influenza or pneumonia. -