HEALTH NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5297, 9 July 1928, Page 1

HEALTH NOTES.

COMMON COLO. (Contributed by the Department of Health). PREVENTION AND TREATMENT. More people probably suffer from common colds with the advent of winter than from any other, single ailment. The importance of the socalled common cold is therefore obvious. The cchdition itself is unwisely considered so trifling that vigorous individuals usually do not permit the disease to hamper their daily pursuits, and in consequence promiscuous association continues without precautions. The result is that colds usually go through families, schools, and business groups, and rapidly become scattered in many different . small epidemics throughout the city communities. Couldi the sum total of suffering, inconveniences, sequelae, and economic loss resulting from common, colds be obtained it might well show that in this respect this simple malady is more important than many graver conditions. In fact, the prevention of the spread of the common cold would have much collateral good in aiding the suppression of tuberculosis and causing a diminution, of pneumonia and other infections. NEGLECTED COLDS. The risks of neglected colds :a,re twofold', to the individual and to the community at large. In the first place, there is considerable danger of the cold producing more serious infections, such as bronchitis, laryngitte; and broncho-pneumonia. Secondly, during the couiise of the condition of sneezing, coughing, and) spittiilg there occurs an indiscriminate scattering of saliva and nasal and bronchial mucus. This' results in an interchange of mouth and throat; bacteria ’of a dangerous nature among; the population, and the consequent increase of the. “carrier” problem.

TREATMENT.

There are." two kinds of common colds—the cold caught from other people and the one eontractecli even ' though colds are not prcvale-nt ill the population. People who have adenoids or diseased tonsils or, are. run down are likely to have either kind. Very few colds would develop into serious illness if the person who has the cold were wise enough to take proper care of himself the first day or two- Rest in bed if possible, or at least indoors is advisable, if the victim feels, weak, as weakness may be a sign 'of .influenza. A laxative should be taken. Plenty of cold water should be' taken, a,nd a light amount of simple, nourishing food. Breathing steam or using a salt-water, nasal douche, if the doctor advises it, may relieve the “ st.opped.up ” feeling. At night before going to bed a, hot bath, or at least a hot foot bath, is recommended. After drying, the sufferer should be covered up in bed with extra blankets. so as to “ sweat the cold out of the system.” A hot diink, such as lemon, assists perspiration. When besides the general symptoms of a cold, fever occurs and the ba,ck of the legs ache- badly, probably influenza is indicated, and a doctor’s advice should be immediately sought. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. Common colds are frequently followed by pneumonia. This is particularly true in very young children. Now the question comes, what, can be done to protect these chirdren 1 Since all colds, coughs, and other diseases of the air, passages are catching it follows tha.t. the same precautions against infection should, be followed with these common disorders as wjth the more serious disorders. While it is difficult to prevent colds entirely, there are certain things which should always be done.* It is important to keep the germs of this disease from getting into, the mouth and nose. Older children can- be taught to wash the hands carefully immediately before eating, and to keep their hands and all things which may have been handled by others away from the mouth and nose. Infants, of course, will put their whole hands into their mouths, but it is not necessary to give them much-handled articles. Using one’s own- handkerchief to wipe n, baby’s nose is dangerous, as is the practice of some mothers of tasting; the baby’s food and then handing the child the same .spoon. It is important to keep tihe rooms of the house at. a, moderate temperature. Air in, the winter time is much drier than at other seasons, especially if the rooms are kept too warm, and is more irritating to the membranes of the -a,ir passages. GENERAL ADVICE. Keep the body built up by eating nourishing food, observing regular sleeping hours, exercising outdoors in ‘ the sunshine, and drinking plenty of daily. Train the skin to stand changes in temperature by frequent bathing. Wear sensible clothing. Breathe through the nose. Air is filtered as it passes along the nasal passages on its way to the lungs. See a doctor if difficulty of breathing through the. nose is exper'enced. Live and work in well vantilated rooms. Finally, if you have a cold, see that you do not convey it to others by personal neglect of simple precautionary measures, for there is no reason why a cold should spread through a horn® if these measures are observed. The individual who coughs and sneezes over, the other occupants in a tram or playe of public gathering is deliberately spreading infection and endahgeiving the health of the community.