THE TYRANNY OF INFLUENZA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1038, 2 September 1911, Page 4

THE TYRANNY OF INFLUENZA.

During the past four months there have been serious epidemics of influenza in New South Wales and Victoria. The attacks of the malady have been marked to an unusual degree by very troublesome complications. Influenza made its appearance In Australia during the winter of 1885, and three years later it began to visit other countries. In 1890 it went round the whole world, gaining the distinction of being the only disease that has ever spread in such remarkable fashion. At first it was called fog-fever, and the connection of fog with the disease has been a subject of inquiry. It is clear that the influence of damp cold produces catarrhal affections, but it cannot be said that fog is the cause of influenza. It still is a moot point whether colds in the throat or nose, unaccompanied by marked prostration, can be properly called influenzal. A Melbourne doctor who was interviewed by a representative of the Argus last week, told an interesting tale of the disease. In 1885 between 60 and 70 per cent, of the people in the suburbs of Melbourne were affected. An extraordinary feature of the epidemic was that hundreds of people were attacked suddenly at five o’clock in the afternoon, many suffering very severe pains. The outbreak cost many lives, mainly because it brought on other diseases. The doctor declared that influenza was the greatest single cause of illhealth in Australia. “It is a fine doctor lor a diagnosis,” he said. “It will find out every weak spot, and convert it from a latent weakness to an active disease. If a man has influenza and no complication ensues, I would, upon that evidence, be inclined to give him a clean bill of health.” He added a word of advice. “If you have influenza do not neglect it. Keep practically indoors in one temperature until you get over it. If that were done universally innumerable lives would be saved.” According to the doctor, influenza is an irritating and elusive disease because it will not do its own unpleasant work, but calls other diseases to its aid. The doctor shares the conviction of many other ■ people that influenza is worthy of very deep respect.