INFLUENZA.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1926, Page 3

INFLUENZA.

HINTS FOR PREYENTION. The Healtli Department, Wellington, lias issued a. statement containing the following:— ORDINARY ENDEMIC INFLUENZA, Of influenza generally, it may he said almost invariably its first notable advent in any community is in some city or town of measurable size. Such an observation gives the best clue to its method of distribution. Of all infectious diseases it is essentially tie one of crowded and large indoor gatherings. It is spread from person to person and mouth spray and finger to mouth infection are regarded as the. most likely means of spread. PRECAUTIONS. If one is unlucky or careless enough to contract influenza lie is not to suppose lie can fight the thing off by pursuing his ordinary course of life. Without doubt the disease may run its course without much untoward result except a lengthening of it by such procedure, but such action multiplies the chances of his being assailed by pneu-

monia. He is to go to lied and if the mere bed threatens to prove ineffective, call the medical man. If all did this, indoor crowds would lose their dangers, but in tho absence of this ideal condition, it. is wise during epidemic perods to eschew large and crowded indoor assemblies. PNEUMONIA. Pneumonia is an inllammal ion of the lungs caused bv germs in great variety. It may complicate influenza, measles, and other infectious diseases, and should always be isolated and treated as conveyable te others. The coughing and sneezing of the patient are. tilings to Ito avoided. Sputum and sputum rags should be conveyed by the patient into vessels containing disinfectant .such its carbolic 1 part in 20 of water, and actite pneumonia generally should bo fronted as infectious illness. Bacteriological literature abounds with descriptions of many germs 'cparded !,s causes of influenza, but responsible’ State Ministers of Health admit that its bacteriology is still tincertain.

Without another world war, it is unlikely that New Zealand will again experience the catastrophe of 19181 but judging from experience of the past, there may ho occasional visitations of severe influenza of the ordinary type. Besides the afore-mentioned precautions requisite for epidemic periods, an open air life, open windows, good food, and cleanliness all easily attainable in Now Zealand, constitute at present the best preventive of this disease.