LOCAL INFLUENZA CASES

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 502, 3 February 1920, Page 2

LOCAL INFLUENZA CASES

IN A MILD FORM.

AUTIONS FREJj|RIIR ESSENTIAL. AND CHEERFUL MENTAL OUTLOOK.

Interviewed by a "Times" representative, medical men admitted that for a few months past there had been various cases of influenza in this district; but whereas the early cases were among children, latterly it was adults who were affected. Happily, the complaint was exhibited in a mild form only, and bore little or no resemblance to the disastrous visitation of 1918. At the present time the disease affected the throat and stomach, while in 1918 the chest and lungs were attacked.

Asked what practicable precautions ordinary work-a-day folk might take to avoid infection, the reply was that there were a few that commonsense might suggest to those endowed with that very valuable mental quality. Firstly, people should avoid congregating in crowds, and secondly, they should take plenty of fresh air. There was an old die-hard superstition against draughts, but it had long since been proven that persons who were affected by any ordinary draught had previously had their vitality lowered by some ailment or other, and were therefore easy victims to the slightest unfavourable environment. In any case, it was quite a simple matter to take plenty of fresh air without actually sitting in a draught. Even though people were well aware of the fact that all hospitals and sanatoria were thoroughly well ventilated and so arranged that currents of air might pass through day and night, nevertheless, they were unable to conquer the ancient bugbear about draughts. Gargling, with a weak solution of Condy's crystals or fluid, or some such simple solution is a preventive, but the mixture must not be a strong one, otherwise irritation would be set up, and the throat made tender, and susceptible to infection.

Our representative happened to remark that we had known of the mild cases locally for some time, but had refrained from chronicling the fact of their occurrence in order to avoid scaring timid people into believing they were affected, and then becoming so actually, by mental suggestion, as it were. The medical gentlemen referred to above heartily endorsed this view. It was, in their opinion, highly desirable that people should refrain from dwelling, or brooding, on the topic of influenza as much as possible. The mind had a wonderful effect on the body, and the cheerful person would escape infection where the morose, pessimistic one who gave overmuch thought to the subject would contract the malady. One thing must be strictly borne in mind, namely, that the victim should on no account ignore the 'flu if he does get it. Even though the attack be but slight, he must go to bed and rest thoroughly. Of course, should the complaint become worse, medical aid should be sought. Many a strong man died during 1918 simply because he ignored the 'flu, and failed to take precautions until he was too far gone. Although there is little danger of fatal results from the present mild form, the lack of attention in the initial stages will prolong the period necessary for recovery. Summed up, to give yourself every chance, and to assist Nature in her never-ending effort to keep you fit and well, you must: Live in the fresh air. Gargle—weak solutions. Keep cheerful. Rest, and take care of yourself if it "gets youi"