HOW TO AVOID 'FLU

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 166, 31 July 1937, Page 15

HOW TO AVOID 'FLU

Coirect Trealment Described

An attack of 'flu is tbe result of a combination of two things — the germ and the constitutian, says a doctor in the Iiistener. In normal tim«z it is relatively easy to avoid coatoet with the germj at the present time it is practically impossible. We are all carrying it in our noses anti our throats. It is possible by the reguiat and forcible use of a handkerehief and by gargling with simple salt and water to reduce very considerably the numbers of opr unwelcome guests, and tne cightly use of sach simple' measures has mueh tp recooamend it* * v Our effiorts to avoid falling vietims to influenza may even more profitably be eoncentrated upon keeping a sound constitution. This, in its widest sense, implies the healthy functioning of all our organs, especially our' skin and cir culation. This is no time for bravado: wearing a muffler or an anaocustomed overeoat may now prevent an illness The maternal or grand-maternal advice to change shoes and stockings, or both, on arrival at ihe office or home is not to be jeered at: daoip feet spell dan* g6f. Standing in a draught, either indoors or ont of doors,' is a practice in whicb few of ns can indulge witb irapunity ai any time, fewer still just now.

Warmth is all-important. Best of all is the healthy glow that comes from active exercise, but if age or circumstance make this nnobtainable, extra clothing must be worn. The comfort of a 'snug' atmosphere may conceal dangerous moisture and dangerous germs unless you arrange for regular airing of the room. Crowded atmospheres are specially to be avoided. Kegular and adequate meals ure a very sound investment — they may well, at such time as tbis, include a more than usually liberal allowanec of heatforming foods, such as butter, fats and sugar, and it is of importance that adequate time should be allowed for digestion of a meal before undertaking fresli work. The wamning effect of alcohol is very short-lived, and may be succeeded by dangerous chilling. Hot soup is a wiser choice. Lastly, the man who is afraid Qf infiuenza is more likely to contract it than the man who is not alqrmed. Therefore, don't talk 'flu, and don't think 'flu. If, however, your precautions fail, and you should feel the first icy shiver up and down your spine, pin pour faith in the three 'B's': Bed, Hot-water Bottle, and Bre'ad-and-Milk.