THE LAST OF THE INFLUENZA.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 2176, 20 June 1890, Page 5

THE LAST OF THE INFLUENZA.

The epidemic is almost moribund. We are, most of us, convalescent, and fihd ; the period of convalescence a long and dreary time. It is well for us if physical weakness and lauguor are the worst we have to fear, if we dare recover at our leisure without being harassed by the thought that idleness means Lunger to ourselves and those we love. Very few of the fatal cases that liave occurred have been due to influenza alone ; as a rule they have resulted from some rash or premature exposure. It is all very well for the doctor to say, "Don't think of going out for a week yet, and then only if the weather is fine." The patient knows what another week's idleness means, and when it is a choice between dying of hunger and dying of bronchitis. Then if his food is secure, he needs something more than the daily bread be required in health. The capricious appetite wants stimulating, and even that strong advocate of temperance, Dr Symes Thompson, declares that stimulants are often desirable. One of the saddest things about illness is that extra demands are made on the purse just when it is most empty. Here, then, is a legitimate field for charity. It is not far to seek. There are few of us who cannot find near our own doors some case where a friendly gift of some little dainty would not be a welcome thing Our influenza will not have been all evil if, in leaving, it gives occasions for that strengthening of the bonds of mutual help which forms the firmest foundation of human brotherhood. — Hospital. .