SIMPLE LINES OF DEFENCE AGAINST DISEASE GERMS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 93, 10 September 1948, Page 6

SIMPLE LINES OF DEFENCE AGAINST DISEASE GERMS

(By Department of Health) Infection is the entry of diseaseproducing germs into the body. Disease is a state which follows when these germs, have been able to disrupt the bodily functions. Infection in the body can occur in these ways: First, through the skin by way of cuts, abrasions and septic infections. Second, through the mouth by food or contaminated water. Third, through the air passages and lungs, by inhaling disease-pro-ducing organisms. Cleanliness is the greatest safeguard against skin infection. Fresh air, direct sunshine are also fine germicides. Elementary rules of personal hygiene must be observed, too. Droplet infection is the most common and most dangerous form of infection through the nose and air passages. Diseases such as influenza, measles, whooping cough, the common cold, and possibly poliomyelitis are spread in this way. The slogan “Coughs and sneezes spread diseases” summarises this great problem. Education, particularly of children, is urgently required if this fruitful cause of disease is to be kept in check. Disease-producing organisms are all round us—in cinemas, buses, office, workshop and even in the home. Yet we escape them. The reason is the relationship between the germ and the host—in this case, you or me. This depends oh such factors as age, immunity, amount and virulence of the infecting agent and the resistance of the host. We’ve got the power to influence two factors—immunity and resistance. Because of the development of immunisation, one of childhood’s worst killers, diphtheria, is no longer the terrible menace it was. .Another stout weapon is resistance, built up in our bodies by better living conditions and sensible care of our food in both quantity and quality. Weaklings naturally can’t resist disease like robust people can. Adequate sleep and rest and plenty of fresh air and exercise. Let’s start right with ourselves and bur children.