WINTER'S TOLL.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 161, 9 July 1926, Page 3

WINTER'S TOLL.

INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA.

THIS YEAR'S VISITATION,

LESS SEVERE THAN IN 1923.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") •WELLINGTON, this day. While it is important that those who contract influenza colds should avoid exposure to chill, and, out of consideration for their fellow citizens, stay away from crowded indoor gatherings, there are indications that- though there is a great deal of influenza about, the type prevalent is not so severe as in 1923. Official figures show that during the epidemic in the year mentioned, which affected principally the South Island, there occurred from July 1 to October 1, a weekly average throughout the Dominion of sixteen deaths from influenzal pneumonia, and eight- from acute pneumonia, or a total of twentyfour weekly from pneumonia causes. Moreover, it may not be generally known that the Dominion average of deaths from these two causes for the last five years has been four from influenzal pneumonia and eight from pneumonia, a total weekly average of twelve. That is to say* that under normal circumstances, particularly during the winter months, these lung complaints continue to take their toll from the people, particularly the aged and infants. From information derived from the Government bacteriological laboratories and from the medical officers of health, it lias been known that influenza of the normal type has been prevalent throughout the Dominion for theJast six weeks or more, but, as stated, The indications are that tlie type prevalent this year is not so severe as in 1023. For example, from the week ending May 31 to that ending last Monday, the weekly average of deaths from these two causes notified to the Department of Health has not exceeded the Dominion average, and has been much below that recorded during the epidemic months of 1923.