GUARD AGAINST THE COMMON COLD.

Shannon News, 28 May 1929, Page 1

GUARD AGAINST THE COMMON COLD.

"WEAKNESS MAY EE A SIGN OF INFLUENZA " (Contributed bv the Department of Health). With the advent of win tor more people probably sutler from common colds thai) from any other* single ailment. The importance, of the so-called common cold is therefore obvious. The condition itself i? unwisely considered so triflnig that vigorous individuals usually do not permit the disease to .hamper their' dai.y pursuits, and in consequence promhviuoas association continues without precautions. The result is that colds-which are infectious usually go through families, schools and business group-*, and rapidly become scattered in ' thar.ydifferent small epi demicu throughout the city com munities.

Could the sum total of suffering, in conveniences, sequelae,, economic loss resulting from coranien colds be obtain od it might: well show that in this re. spect this simple jnalady is more important than many graver conditions. In fact the prevention of the spread of the common cold would have' mucli collateral good in aiding the suppression of tubcreulois and causing a diminution of pneumonia and other infections. The risks of neglected colds are 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 ti.s bronchitis, laryngitis, and bronchopneumonia. Secondly, during the conrs.o of the condition by sneezing, coughing, and spitting there occurs an indiscriminate scattering of saliva and nnsui and bronchial mucus. This results ;n an interchange of mouth and throat bacteria of a dangerous nature amongthe population, and the consequent increase of the "carrier" problem. Treatment. There arc two kinds of common colds —the' colds caught from other people and the one" contracted even though colds are not prevalent in -the population. People who have a'denoids or diseased tonsils or are run down are likely to have cither kind. Very few f colds would develop into serious illness if the person who has the cold word wise enough to take proper care of himself -tins first day 0r..;.tw0. Rest in bed if possible, or at least indoors, is advisable, if the feels weak, as weakness may be a sk'n of influenza. A laxative should be token. Plenty of cold water should bo taken, and a light amount of simple, nourishing food. Breathing steam or using a salt-water Wa'l douche, if the doctor advises it. Vuav, relieve the '' stopped-up " feeling. At night before going to bed a hoi bath, or at least a hot foot bath, is recommended. After drying, the suff crer should, be covered up in bed with extra Man&etß, so as to "sweat tut cold out of the system." A hot drink, <nek as lemon, assists perspiration. When besides the general symptoms of a cold, fver occurs, and the back of the legs ache badly, probably influenza nindicated, and a doctor's advice should be immediately sought. Protection of Children. < Common colds arc frequently followed by pneumonia. This is particularly true-in. very young children. Wow tin -mestion conies, what can be done tprotect these children? Since all colds conch?, and other diseases of the ?u ■.assWes arc'catching, it follows thah° «amc precautions asjainst mfeetioi •hoitld be followed with" these comma. ■;i«oTd'ors as with the more serious uis u'ders. While it is difficult to proven -olds entirely, there arc certain thing vh.seh'should always be mn-tant to keep the germs or this disuse from setting into t lie month »m ,*..„ Older children can be taught I wash the hands carofu'ly 'in.mediae! ? •..fore eating, and to keep their ham. uhT all things which mny have hoc ..ndU-d bv other* away from the nj« i nd ».. ? e. luM«K el! cour~>, v:il yi. •heir hand-, into th-ir roomhs hut it 9 not necessary to give thorn nine, - U!ind led, articles. U,ing one's harmkorchief to wipe a baby s '- iangerous, as is the practice of om Mothers of tasting the baby's food. Mien lmtulins the child the same spoon. R is important to keep the rooms ol the house at a moderate temperature. Air in the winter time is much duet than at other seasons, especially it tat rooms arc kept too warm, and » more irritating to the membranes of the an Pa ßaWos and young children need surv light as well-as older people. Do not keep a well child indoors just because it is cold out of doors. Protect the baby ■well., and put him out where he will get the sunlight. If a child has •a cold it is safest to keep him in bed for a fow davs until the acute staged past. -Keep all dishes and other aificles, usccl by the Patents aeparate, and boil or otherwise disuitcct them Sore their use by others In other words, colds should be considered con-t-unous. and the same sort of care taken as with epidemic diseases.

General Advice. Keen the body built up by eating •■• • food, observinf rceular bi««iJ.«K Jours, exercising a the sunshine, and drinking plenty of water daily. Train the ski i temperature by i"'^ 1 " bathing. Wear sensible r lot . b »J* Breathe through the nose. Air wjni-

tered as it passes along the nasal passages on its way to the lungs. Sec a doctor if difficulty of breathing through the nose is experiencedLive and work in well ventilated rooms. Finally, if you have a cold see that'you do stot convey it to others by personal neglect of simple precautionary measures, for there is no reason why a cold should spread through a home if the.°e measures are observed. The individual who coughs and sneezes over the other occupants in a tram or place or public gathering is deliberately spreading infection and endangering the health of the community.