INFLUENZA

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 39, 9 November 1918, Page 8

INFLUENZA

0 SEVERAL MORE DEATHS

STEAMER SERVICES DISORGANISED HEAVY SICK ROLL IN THE CAMPS Tho prevailing influenza is reported to bo spreuding generally throughout the district and in Wellington city. At present there are no public services or private firms with largo staffs who are not experiencing inconvenience through sickness among the employees. The one outstanding consolation is that the form, serious though it must be regarded by the community, has not yet developed into the virulent form which has devastated other countries, and tho authorities are working night and day to prevent such ix development, if it is humanly possible.' The City Council is working hand .in glove with i the Public Hoalth Department in tho cleansing and fumigating of the city, and the people. The Inhalation chambers on tho waterfront are being kept going the wholo day through. A never-ending streim of people from all classes of business have 'already availed themselves of the chance to inhale the chemical vapours that so effectively fumigate tho nasal channels, and fortify the throat. A chamber was established on the third floor of the General Post Office yesterday, and before 5 p.m. some hundreds of tho staff went through the simple process, without feeling any tho worse for it.

In the Inhalation Chamber, A Dominion reporter was asked to undergo treatment, 'and willingly conGonted. Tho process is a simple one. Tho fumigating element is vapour (given off under pressure) of a. formalin solution, and ono of sulphate of ainc; both are brought together by means of two atomising nozzles, which eject a stonmiike vapour (heated in the cose of tho formalin solution by 'an ordinary "primus" stove). Tho patient stands a foot away from the twin nozzles, opens his mouth and breathes deeply, exhaling through the nose, for a space of thirty seconds. Tho experience is not at all' unpleasant. It might bo pure steam -for all the breather is awnio at the time. After withdrawing onp experionces an acrid taste- on tho lips and 'palato and the oyes, if opened, smart for jivo minutes afterwards. The best way is" to closs the eyes tight during the period of inhalation. Aβ tho vapour condenses quickly on the face, at first in groat globules, and then in littlo streams, it is necessary to wear a towel round the neck and across tho chest. On 1 the completion of the inhaktion process, one simply mops the fluid off one's face with the towel—and goes about one's I business.

It is understood that ono treatment is sufficient for twenty-four hours. Tliis means that the chambers will bo needed until the epidemic qshausts itself. For tha purposes , of diecijriinp, Mr. Redmond (ono oft the heaa office staff) has been made health, officer for tho Departmont.

All the Defence Department staff liavo passed through inhalation chamber?. A new chamber for the free .treatment of the public will be opened in tho basement of the Town Hail to-day. On account of its central situation this cliamber should be in Ri'cat demand whilst the epidemic lasts in Wellington. A chamber was opened yesterday in the Government Building, ajid all Civil Servantg employed thoroin are , boing instrncted that it is compulsory for them to pass through the chamber every day they are at work, as a precautionary measure.