HEALTH NOTES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 630, 5 April 1929, Page 9

HEALTH NOTES

INFLUEN7A 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 ami 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 hist few months a fairly extensive epidemic has occurred in North America, and at present an epidemic is in existence in Great Brit ain and parts of Europe. As is almost invariably the case, the number of deaths from pneumonia and bronchitis following influenza has greatly Increased in these 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 (Eng land) 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 respiratory 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. 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, dwellings, factories, or dormitories. Infection can also be conveyed bv hands or handkerchiefs that have been soiled by excretions of the nose and throat of infected persons. Experience from the past lends to show that overcrowded trains, tramcars and buses, and places of entertainment are very important factors in the spread of infection. Measures For Personal Protection The first essential is to avoid needless exposure, avoid as far as possible overcrowded conditions. 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 of warm water. Another, probably as effective as the above, can be made by adding a small amount /of potassium permanganate to a tumblerful of water, enough to give a light pink colour. This can also be used to wash the nasal passages, a small amount being poured into the hollow of tlie hand and snuffed or drawn up into the nostrils. Well-ventilated airy rooms, by promoting physical well-being, are inimical to infection.

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 sent or taken home. WTiere 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 any form of feverish cold. On the contrary, he should be expected and required to do so. At the first feeling of illness or rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medical treatment. "The doctor, if called in immediately at onset, is afforded the opportunity of giving advice or treatment, which may in many cases ward off the more dangerous complications. 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 may be done by getting about too early. Chill and overexertion 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 placed in disinfectant or, if of paper, burnt. • The liability of the immediate at tendants 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 other screen should be held before the mouth, and the head turned aside during coughing and sneezing. The risk of conveyance of infection by the fingers must be constantly guarded against, and the hands should be washed at once after contact with the patient or with mucus from the nose and throat. Each case should be treated under the direction of the medical attendant No drug has as yet been proved to have any specific curative effect on influenza, though some may be useful in guiding its course and mitigating its symptoms. The patient’s recovery should be fully established before he returns to work.