INFLUENZA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1938, Page 4

INFLUENZA

PREVENTIVE MEASURES. METHOD OF TREATMENT. There are still many illnesses the causes of which remain unknown. Throughout the world research is going on day after day in the hope that the cause and cure of these conditions may be discovered. One of these is influenza. But, although its actual cause remains a secret, there is now not the slightest doubt that it is due to a germ which 'is too small to be seen. In the first place, it is well to remember that influenza is infectious and anything which tends to lower the powers of resistance makes it easier for infection to take place. Two factors seem worth considering; the first of these is fear. Although, at this season of the year, there are usually in the air the seeds of influenza, it is asking for trouble to go about in fear of catching it. When you are afraid, your general health suffers and you are less likely to resist infection. Then, too, the habit some people have acquired of setting out in the cold mornings of winter without any breakfast is definitely unwise. Late nights, hot, stuffy atmospheres and fatigue also lower resistance. Gastric ’flu causes pains in the inside, vomiting, . and diarrhoea. The respiratory type results in acute bronchitis, sometimes pleurisy and often pneumonia. This latter complication accounts for nearly, all the fatal cases.

The acute stage of ordinary ’flu lasts about a week, when the temperature falls to normal, but fever has been known to continue for three weeks. The length of convalescence depends entirely on what symptoms have been left behind. Sometimes there is severe mental depression, sometimes the heart is left a little weak. Sleeplessness is a common result.

How are we to protect ourselves against influenza? First of all, you must maintain the general health at the highest possible level. Early to bed, good breakfast in the morning, cheerful outlook. Avoid overcrowded places as much as possible. Take some form of physical exercise —a walk in the fresh air, for example, every day. Then, too, breathe through the nose. The lining membrane is specially constructed to deal with invading organisms and all air passing through it is warmed before getting to the lungs. Mouth-breathers take the risk of allowing germs to get in and permit cold, unwarmed air to reach the lungs direct. A simple gargle should be used night and morning. Permananate of potash does quite well. Glycerine or thymol is stronger, but there are hosts of other antiseptics which are cheap to buy and efficacious. There is also a growing belief in many authoritative circles in the value of quinine as a protection against influenza. When we hear the word “quinine,” we instinctively think of malaria; but it is not nearly so well known that between quinine and influenza, there is a connection similar to that existing between quinine and malaria. In fact, quinine is the first of . the prophylactic remedies for influenza.

It is also very interesting to' notice that the results of these experiments are confirmed by the observations of other doctors who state that malaria patients treated with quinine appear—generally speaking—to be either only slightly susceptible to, or quite- immune from, influenza. Thus for instance, Dr Roccavilla noticed that during an influenza epidemic, out of 1500 malaria patients under the influence of quinine, only 12, i.e., less than 1 per cent, caught influenza, and then only in a very mild form. According to him, we see in this a proof of the prophylactic action of quinine. It is thus likely that patients suffering from malaria have at least the consolation that, thanks to the prophylactic action of quinine, they are free from influenza epidemics. But malarial subjects are not the only ones to benefit by regular doses of quine. According to many modern authorities, everyone can avoid influenza by taking three grains of this remedy daily.

If, however, the enemy succeeds in effecting a victory, and influenza is contracted, then other measures must be taken to bring about a cure. A sudden rise in temperature, a feeling of ■ shivering, giddiness and headache, should send the sufferer to bed at once. He should stay there until all fever has gone. The bowels should

be freely opened at the start of the illness. Aspirin gives most patients relief in these cases, and 10 grains should be taken after a hot drink, as soon as the patient has got into bed. Home-made lemonade or barley water can be given in as large quantities as are required. Diet should be light, and, at any rate while the fever lasts, should consist mainly of milk and fruit juices. Send for your doctor if the case is severe, for skilled advice taken early may prevent complications setting in.