INFLUENZA COLDS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21188, 10 August 1940, Page 4

INFLUENZA COLDS

CARE OF THE PATIENT EXPERT ADVICE GIVEN (Contributed by the Department of Health) In New Zealand we periodically experience, particularly during the winter months, outbreaks of respiratory infection exhibiting symptoms somewhat more severe than those characterising the common cold. These respiratory infections are often referred to as influenza although not of the same severe epidemic type as experienced in 1918. However, the Department of Health desires to again draw attention to the following information about this infection which is somewhat prevalent, and certain measures for its prevention and treatment. The disease begins like a cold. There may be pains in the head, eyes and limbs, a watery discharge from the nose, chilly sensations, sore throat, cough and extreme muscular prostration. There may also be abdominal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and cramps. There is fever which varies according to the intensity of the disease. There are many varieties of the disease, and any organ

of the body may be attacked. Pneumonia is sometimes a complication. At the first feeling of illness or rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm and seek medical treatment. Relapses and complications are much less likely to occur if the patient goes to bed at once and skilled advice is obtained; much harm may be done by getting about too early. Chill and over-exertion during convalescence are fruitful of evil consequences. Should pneumonia be suspected, medical advice should be immediately obtained. Good nursing care is highly essential in these cases. Avoid Infection Influenza Is a highly infectious disease, and the avoidance of infection is difficult. There are certain precautions, however, which if undertaken should reduce the liability both of acquiring and spreading infection. (1) See that your rooms are airy and well ventilated at all times. (2) During influenza prevalence avoid all conditions of crowding and thus reduce the liability of coming into close contact with those who may be “incubating” or carrying the disease or who have “colds.” (3) Do not cough or sneeze without protecting the mouth with a handkerchief.

(4) Do not unnecessarily visit those suffering from influenza. (5) Do not try to “work off” ttie disease, but stay at home and go to bed.

(6) Remain in the fresh air as much as possible. (7) Well ventilated tram-cars, buses and railway carriages help to prevent spread of infection. (8) Keep your body in good condition by eating the right kinds of food; keep your feet warm and dry; train your skin to stand frequent changes of temperature by frequent bathing; and wear suitable clothing. (9) Overwork, lack of sleep and exercise, over-indulgence in alcohol, exposure to cold and wet, increase susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia. When Attacked (1) Go to bed and keep warm; stay there until the doctor gives permission to get up. j (2) Isolation of the patient from the rest of the household should be practised. (3) All sputum and discharge from the nose should be received into cloths, which should be burned. (4) Sterilise all handkerchiefs by boiling. (5) All patient’s dishes should be “scalded” or, if possible, “boiled.” (6) The hands both of the attend- ; ant and the patient should receive ' scrupulous attention. (7) Only one member of house- | hold should attend patient. Remember that the chief danger of j influenza lies in the complications, ' and that these complications arise chiefly as the result of carelessness such as not going to bed soon enough, i getting up too soon, and reducing j the bodily resistance by exposure to | cold and wet. Over-exertion in the ! convalescent period is also danger- | ous. | |