COMMON COLDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 May 1938, Page 5

COMMON COLDS

BEST MEANS OF PREVENTION. PRINCIPALS TO OBSERVE. (Contributed by Department of Health.) The common cold is something more than a nuisance; it may be an uncommonly serious matter. In the first place it often is the .forerunner of a dangerous disease, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis and thus becomes a menace to life. A recent editorial in “The .Lancet” states: “The common cold, with all its sequels in the way of infections of the nasal sinuises, ears, and lungs, is a formidable disease.” In the second place, the common cold is very expensive. At school and in the factory, colds cause more lost time than any other disease. Education and industry are both hard hit and absence from study and work causbs a financial burden of no small proportions. The parent, the wageearner and the tax-payer must foot the bill.

As a first principle in the prevention of colds we must recognise the fact that they are catching. It is known that the germ that causes cold is found in the nasal secretion of the victim who has acquired the infection by direct or indirect contact with someone else suffering from or carrying the disease. ,

The best method of protection, for both the sick and the well, is for the patient with a cold to go home —to bed if necessary—and to stay there until he has recovered. Quiet, rest, warmth, and proper care are needed and they cannot be attained in the office, school, or shop. -While thus doing the best thing for himself, he is likewise protecting his friends and the public.

But the time has not yet come when we can persuade everyone with a cold to retire from public contacts. Perhaps it is too much to expect in the case of a disease the uncomplicated form of which does not actually force a person to bed. If he goes out among his fellows, however, he should in common decency make every effort to protect them. Coughs and sneezes should be covered to prevent spraying the infection over associates. Colds are frequently transferred to children by inconsiderate people who cannot abstain from visiting when suffering from infection themselves, or what is still worse, fondle and kiss a well child, thus spreading disease and endangering life. By keeping the hands scrupulously clean one helps to avoid catching and spreading colds. Next, it is important to keep rooms at a moderate temperature. Hot, inadequately ventilated rooms encourage growth of germs. In bad weather people tend to close their windows and overheat their rooms, and the consequent stuffiness of the atmosphere lowers resistance and makes them prone to catch any disease that is about.

Then, common sense ought to teach us to dress according to the weather. Clothing should be adapted to the season of the year and the changes in the weather.

Bear in mind: —Resistance against the common cold may be strengthened by good hygienic habits, nourishing food, rest, sunshine and fresh air. The predisposing factors in “catching” cold are;.— Vitiated air dust, draughts, sudden changes of temperature, exposure to cold and wet, loss of sleep or insufficient rest, improper food, and other conditions that lower the vitality of the body. It would prevent further spread of infection and complications if persons with colds would go to bed and stay there until convalescent.