Health Notes

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 420, 31 July 1928, Page 4

Health Notes

INFLUENZA

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC tContributed by^be, Apartment „ t The history of influenza show* t ba from time to time epidemics occur i cycles. Such epidemics present C er tain individual characteristics; f or ’ ample, catarrhal symptoms mav more prominent in one epidemic th in another or pneumonia may be in one epidemic and of freq uent currence in the next, but these f tures do not detract from the tom mon identity of the disease -n.' severity of the disease is augmented* in winter months.

It has long been common know ledge that influenza attacks all -i—. '. of the community. Persons of age are liable to an attack, and a regards sex, females are usually susceptible to infeclion. One' attack is not protective against another i„ deed, as in pneumonia, in manv i ndi viduals one attack seems to predi ' pose to recurrent attacks of the disease. At present there is a certain amount of a mild type of influenza in the Dominion. It is therefore thoughdesirable to recapitnlate the prectui tionary measures which are within th* powers of the public to adopt. Well-ventilated airy rooms promote well-being, and to that extent at .... rate. are inimicar to Infectw draughts are due to unskilled vertX !J° n , ar ! d are harm ful: all chilUar of the body surface should be prevents Good nourishing fc»d is desirabk A memorandum of the Royal Collet of Physicians states that "alcohoH, excess invites disaster: within th~ limits of moderation each person win he wise to maintain unaltered what ever habit experience has proved tn be most agreeable to his own health.” Preventive Measures A simple throat-gargle for ordinariuse is made by adding 20 drops of liquor sodae chlorinate to a tumbler of warm water. A solution of common table salt, one teaspoonful to a pint of warm water, to which is added enough permanganate of potash to give the liquid a pink colour (one part of permanganate in 5,000), is sultabh either as a gargle or for washing the nasal passages. For the latter, a little of the liquid may be poured into the hollow-palm of the hand or into a small shallow receptacle like the lid of a small tin, and snuffed or drawn up the nostrils. Throatgargling and nose-washing night and morning, or more frequently, are recommended as preventive measure-, though their importance should not be over-rated. They may be employed with special advantage on returning home after exposure to infection in a crowd or close contact with an infected person. Face masks made out of butter muslin or gauze should be used by those attending on severe cases of influenza.

During influenza prevalence those who are able to do so will diminish their chance of contracting the disease by keeping away from all places of ptihlic resort and all crowded conveyances. Precautions When Attacked Staying at work after the first symptoms appear is bid for the patient and may be dangerous to others. At the first feeling of illnees of rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medical treatment. The early stages of an attack are the most infective, but infection may persist throughout the illness, and segregation should be maintained at least till the temperature is normal Relapses and complications are much less likely to occur if.the patient goes to bed at once and remains there till all fever has gone for two or three days; much harm mar be doin' by getting about too early. Chili and over-exertion during convalescence are fruitful of evil consequences. The virus of influenza is very easily destroyed, and extensive measures ot disinfection are not called for, Expectoration should be received when possible in a glazed receptacle in which is a solution of chloride of u®c or other disinfectamt. Discard*® handkerchiefs should be placed in disinfectant, or, if of paper, burnt. „ The liability of the immediate atendants to infection may ba ’ ally diminished by avoiding mhaiatwof the patient’s breath, and pan larly when he is coughing. 9neel !“': or talking. A handkerchief or otn_ screen should be held before mouth, and the head turned a*’®® . , ing coughing or sneezing. Tne of conveyance of infection by - fingers must be constantly re bered. and the hands should be waa at once after contact with the P* • _ or with mucus from the nose or tnn»-