HEALTH NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5409, 10 April 1929, Page 3

HEALTH NOTES.

• INFLUENZA. < ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC. (Contributed by the department of Health.) The history of influenza shows that from time to time epidemics of the disease arise. History also shows that the efforts of man to control the spread of this disease by isolation and quarantine are of little avail. Influenza is a disease that is most infectious, and is one that very rapidly spreads throughout a community in which it has obtained a footing. During the last few months a fairly extensive epidemic has occurred in North America, and at present an epidemic is in existence in Great Britain and parts of Europe. As is almost invariably the case, the number of deaths from pneumonia and bronchitis following influenza has greatly increased in tfyjse countries. At the time of writing there is no increased incidence of influenza in New Zealand, but how long this happy state of affairs will last no one can tell. The Ministry of Health (England) states that quarantine restrictions are quite .impracticable to prevent the advent of this disease, so that the question of avoiding infection becomes largely one of individual effort. How Infection is Spread. The infection is conveyed from the sick to the well by the secretions of the respii-atory surface. In coughing, sneezing, and even in loud talking these are transmitted through the air for considerable distances. The infection enters the body through the nose and throat, and a certain amount of evidence is available to prove that infection can be received through the eyes. Only a very brief exposure is necessary to receive infection. It Will be evident that the closer the contact the more readily will one acquire infection. Therefore, avoid overcrowding and. thronging of every kind, whether in public meetings, public conveyances, dwclings, factories or dormitories. Special danger seems to. exist where sleeping, quarters are overcrowded. Infection cab alsb be conveyed by hands or handkerchiefs that have been soiled by fjx'retions of the nose aid throat of infected persons. Experience from the past tends to show that overcrowded, trains, train-, ears and buses, and place? of entertainment are very important factors in the spread of infection:. Personal Protection. Tlie first essential is to avoid needless exposure, avpiid as far as possible overcrowded conditions. Most persons are able to avoid some occasions of forming part of a cyowd P>r assembly. Throat gargling night and morning is helpful, but its importance should not be exaggerated. A simple gargle can be made by adding a tablespoonful of compound. glycerine of thymol to a glassful off warm .water. Another probably as effective as the above can be made by adding a small amount potassium permangate to a tumblerful; of watejr, enough to give a little Dink colour. This can also be used to wash the nasal passages, a small amount being poured into' the hollow Of the hand! and snuffed dr drawn uP into the nostrils. Well-ventilated airy rooms, by promoting physical well-being are inimical to infection. Thq Use of face masksi made of muslin should bq restricted to those in attendance on the sick. The Continuous use of a face mask hinders the free circulation of air through the nasal passoges and causes congestion of these parts, and so decreases the local resistance of the tissues. No drug has yet been proved to have any specific influence as a preventative of influenza. Precautions When Attacked. Continuing at work after the first symptoms appear is bad for the patient, and may be dangerous to others. .Workers obviously ill should at once be sent or taken home. Where influenza is prevalent, no person should in any way be penalised for staying away from work, bona fide, for even a slight attack of influenza or ally form of feverish cold. On the contrary, he should be expected and required to do so. At the first fueling of ilkrics.j or rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medic.al treatment. The doctor, if called, in immediately at onset, is afforded the opportunity of giving advic.q or treatment, which may in many cases wa.rd off the m'ore dangerous complications. Relapses and complications are much less Likely to occur if the patient goes to bed, at once and remains.there till al} fevepr has gone for two or lareo days; much harm may be done by getting about too early. Chill and' over-exertion during convalescence are fruitful of. evil consequences. The early stages of an attack are the most infectious, but infection, may persist throughout the illness and isolation should! be maintained at least till the temperature; is normal. If the patient cannot occupy a separate room, the head of the bed should, if possible, be screened off from the rest of the apartment. The virus of influenza is easily destroyed and extensive measures of disinfection are not called for. Expectoration should be received when possible in a suitable receptacle in which is a’solution of. chloride of lime or other disinfectant. Discarded handkerchiefs should be immediately placefl in disinfectant or, if of paper, burnt. ? The liability of the immediate attendants to infection may be materially diminished by avoiding, inhalation of. the patient's breath, and particularly when he is coughing, sneezing, or talking. A handkerchief or otliqr screen should be held before the mouth, and the head) turned' aside during coughing or sneezing. The risk of conveyance of infection. by the;

fingers must be constantly guarded ; and the hands c.ontaet with. washed at once after contact with the patient or with mucus from the nose or throat.