INFLUENZA AND BEER.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16362, 6 November 1918, Page 3

INFLUENZA AND BEER.

TO THE EniTOK Of "IDE TB.ESS." Sir,—lt was with a certain amount of scepticism that I read "Old Medico's" letter, under the above heading, in "The Press" of this date. In the first place he says that "to prevent an attack is next to impossible." This, I think, depends a good deal upon the individual who does not attempt to guard himself or herself against an attack. "Old Medico" proceeds to prescribe a remedy, tho former part of which is well and good, but the latter I am very doubtful about, which reads, "Let him drink a small (or large) glass of beer every few hours." Are we to understand that this remedy is for men, women, and children, or for men only ? And for what period is it to bo continued, as some men might want to stick in bed and drink beer, and eat bread and cheese, till further orders? It is possible, as "Old Medico" says, there may be something in the malt or hops (or in alcohol for that matter) which will act as a direct antidote to the influenza germ, but does he consider it reallv necessary to take such a great dose every few hours? From the accounts that have been published it is evident that the present opidemio germs are inhaled through the nasal organs or mouth, or both, therefore I consider that one of the best

and safest remedies against an attack of influenza would be for every individual to inhale some disinfectant and also garble the throat occasionally, and, above all, clean the teeth first thing in the morning, and also before going to bed, with some effective medical soap or powder. Some fifty odd years ago, when cholera was raging in England. I recollect everybody being advised to wear a little bag of camphor pinned to or sewn ; nsido the clothing on the chest, and as camphor is admitted to be a very good antidote for germs. this would be well worth trying, and comparatively very inexpensive.—Yours, etc., CHAS. B. MA3SEY. November 4 th.