COMMON COLDS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20504, 21 May 1938, Page 25 (Supplement)

COMMON COLDS

BUGBEAR OF WINTER ADVICE TO SUFFERERS. (Department of Health’ The common cold is somethtns; mo’’c than a nuisance : it may be an uncommonly serious matter. In the first • place, it often is the forerunner of n dangerous disease, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or tuberculosis, and thus becomes a menace to life. In the second place, the common cold is very expensive. At school and in the fa'* tory colds cause more lost time than any other disease. Education and industry are both hard hit and absence from study and work causes a financial burden ef no small proportions. The parent, the wage-earner and the taxpayer must foot the bill. As a first principle in the prevention of colds we must recognise the fan that they are catching. It is known that the germ that causes cold is found in the nasal secretions 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 likewsie protecting his friends and the public. Preventing Infection But the time has not yet come when we can persuade every one 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 Iby inconsiderate people who cannot abstain from visiting them 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, in-adequately-ventilated rooms encourage growth of germs. In bad weather people tend to close their windows and over-heat 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. 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.