Influenza.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17061, 4 February 1921, Page 6

Influenza.

Just now, when the world seems to have troubles enough on its mind, it could have Very well done without the report of the» British Ministry of Health on the influenza epidemic. For the/ report is of a distinctly pessimistic character. The cause of the outbreak is- declared to be still "an unsolved problem," medical men are still "at a loss to define "the disease" —and therefore to prevent or cure it—and the immediate outlook dees not "inspire confidence," which strikes one as a somewhat mild way of putting it in view 'of the later statement that medical men see, in the present conditions ia large areas of the world, reason for anticipating further epidemics for at least another generation. Under these circumstances influenza is well termed a mystery disease. Experts in all countries have devoted themselves to investigating its origin and its incidence, and to searching for some, means of diminishing its deadly power, but medical science, which has grappled successfully with other ills, is still baffled by influenza. It is asserted that there is no prospect of mitigating it until there is a universal improvement- in the standard of comfort and the conditions of life. If this were nil that was necessary to rob the disease of much of its destruetiveness, those parts of the- world where prosperity is general, where everybody I can rely on three meals a. day, a decent [ house to live, in, and sufficient clothes

j to wear, should escape comparatively lightly, if they suffered all. Yet New Zealand, which is undoubtedly oao of the best countries in the world in which to lire, where working conditions are fpnerally wholesome, and where in 1918-19 prosperity was certainly general, paid heavy toll to the disease, and that despite the fact that its onset was met by a splendidly united effort by all classes of the community. If the good physique that is *j encouraged by healthy conditions of life are a protection against attack, as the report suggests, how was it that | so many of the victims of influenza in I New Zealand were strong and robust men. not yet or middle r.ge? Still, common sense tells us that croocl food, cleanliness, fresh air, sanitary surroundings, a wholesome moderation in all things, and a resolve not to be scared, must offer some defence against infection, and in view of the Health Ministry's grave warning of a possible recurrence or farther epidemics similar to tliat which ravaged so large a part of the world two years ago, it is the duty of communities and individuals to act as though the enemy were at our gates. During the epidemic, an enormous number of people lived far more healthy lives than probably they had pver done before. There is no need for an outburst of the panicky disinfecting in which many indulged during the epidemic, which, if it served some good purpose, also certainly did no good in large numbers of cases. But as regards influenza, the old motto, "In " time of peace, prepare for war," assuredly holds good, and communities that tolerate slums and other unwholesome conditions, and individuals who neglect the ordinary rules of healthy living, as too qpauy do as soon* as ever a 1 : scare" are taking unjustifiable risks and are offering openings to a foe that needs none of our assistance to be dangerous.