PREVENTION OF INFLUENZA.

Taihape Daily Times, 19 March 1919, Page 4

PREVENTION OF INFLUENZA.

EFFICACY OF MASKS. The efficacy of masks to guard against influenza has been the subject, or considerable discussion during recent weeks, and a leading medical practitioner in Auckland was asked last week to express bis views upon the question. He made the following statement, which is believed ito be supported by a number of the profession in Auckland. The actual usefulness of Ordinary practical masks as a prophylactic measure against influenza is open to such strong theoretical doubt as to suggest that their sole virtue is an engendered sense of greater safety. The following are the reasons:—^ 1. The living virus of influenza is stated by some well recognised auth-

orities to be so small as to be able to pass through the finest bacteriological filter, and to be invisible to the highest powers of the microscope. If this is true, ordinary practical masks can be of no value.

■2. Infection can be conveyed Iby the fingers, so that every time the fingers are used to adjust the mask they become a source of infection, and would require sterilisation after each touch. 3. Unless the masks themselves are constantly changed and cleansed bacteriologioally, they are open to the same well known bacteriological caution that applies to all filters —that is, in the process of filtration the bac-

teria are caught and enmeshed in the filter, and in the case of an ordinary bacterialogical filter, the filter will only hold up the bacteria for roughly 21 hours. After that time, if they arc not cleansed and sterilised, they

are an actual increasing source of

danger

The reply to the fiist reason is that —even supposing the virus is so small —it is probably generally sent from the sufferer in small accretions, or in a small globule of moisture or mucus* The masks would catch these. There is no bacterialogical reply to the second and third reason, save that the masks themselves may be saturated with some antiseptic that would have to be non-iritating to the face.

At present medical science has no thoroughly effective shield to hold off from a community the pandemic influenza, but it can only offer advice, which is well proved against disease, namely; —Avoid unnecessary exposure and fatigue; do not unnecessarily expose yourself to infection; be of good heart and do not fear death. If the use of masks will create a feeling of greater safety in the community, will amply justify their use, by warding off scare, and improving the morale. Because of the possibility of their catching infectious small globules of moisture or mucus coughed from the patients, they would be a useful prophylactic measure for doc-

tors, nurses, and other attendants in the Sick room..

DISCOVERY OF INFLUENZA ’ SERUM.

large quantities mane

FAGTITRED.

Received 5.40 a.m LONDON

March 14

A distinguished bacteriologist claims

the discovery iof an influenza serum. He based his theory on influenza being primarily due to the preiffers baceilus. The serum is being manufactured in large quantities and will be immediately available.