SEASONAL SICKNESS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 6

SEASONAL SICKNESS

SOLDIERS IN HOSPITAL INCIDENCE OF INFLUENZA Although the number of patients in the Waikato Hospital has been considerably increased lately with admissions of soldiers from Hopu Hopu camp suffering with influenza, the outbreak has been of only a mild nature and the stay in hospital has been only a few days. The act-ing-medical superintendent of the hospital, Dr. R. S. A. Graham, stated to-day that a large number of the soldier patients were cases which in civilian life would not go to the hospital. However, in camp there were no home comforts and the men were admitted to hospital for a rest in bed. The admissions of soldiers had taxed the accommodation at the hospital, said Dr. Graham, and every available corner had been brought into use for beds. On Monday and yesterday the number of patients admitted, including soldiers, was well over 40, bringing the total number of patients in the institution to 396 last night. The tax on the accommodation had become so great that only in cases of emergency could civilians be admitted to the hospital. It was hoped that the removal of the soldiers to Papakura would relieve the position.

The usual seasonal colds and other illnesses which are experienced at this time of the year have made their presence felt in Hamilton, although only a few of these cases have come before the notice of the hospital authorities. The staffs of several commercial houses in the town have been depleted in recent weeks by the incidence of influenza and minor complainU.