PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 12, 14 July 1923, Page 8

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

The form of influenza which is moderately prevalent in the city and suburbs is of a mild type, and is subsiding. It is, however, considered advisable by the District Medical Officer of Health, Dr. W. F. Findlay, that the public should be acquainted with the measures desirable to protect themselves.

"In view of the prevalence of influenza in Otago and Canterbury," states Dr. iindlay, ihe following advice is recommended by the Department of Health:

_ "Those who are able to do so will dimmish their chance of contracting the disease by keeping away from all places of public resort- indoors and all crowded conveyances.. All chilling of the body surface should be prevented. "A simple throat gargle for ordinary use can be made by adding 20 drops 01 liquor sodae chlorinate to a tumbler of warm water. A solution of common table salt, one teaspoonful to a pint of warm water to which is added enough permanganate .of potash (Condy's crystals) to give the liquid a light pink colour is suitable, either as a gargle or for washing the nasal passages. For the latter a little of the liquid may be poured into tho hollow palm of the hand or into a small shallow receptacle, and snuffed, or drawn up the nostrils. Throat gargling and nose-washing- are recommended night and morning, or more frequently, as preventive measures.

Staying at work after the first symptoms appear i s bad for the patient, and may be dangerous to others. Workers obviously ill should at onco be sent or*, taken home. At the first feeling of illness or rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medical treatment. The early stages of an attack are the most infective, but infection may persist throughout the illness. The patient should remain in bed at least until the temperature is normal. If the patient cannot occupy a separate room the' head of his bed should, if possible, be screened off from the rest' of the apartment. Relapses and complication are much less likely to occur if tho patient goes to bed at once and remains there till all fever has gone for two or three days. Much harm may be done by getting about too early. Chill and over-exertion during convalescence are fruitful of evil consequences. The virus of influenza is very easily destroyed, and extensive measures of disinfection are not called- for. Discarded handkerchiefs should be immediately placed in disinfectants, or, if of paper, burnt. 'The liability of the immediate attendants to infection may be naturally diminished by avoiding inhalation of the patient's breath, and particularly when he :s congliing, sneezing, or talking. A handkerchief or other screen should be held before the mouth, and the head turned aside during coughing and sneezing. The risk of conveyance of infection, by the fingers must be constantly remembered, and. the hands should be washed at once after contact with the patient or with'mucus from the nose or throat. The patient's recovery should be fully established before he returns to work."