HEALTH NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 100, 30 April 1927, Page 17

HEALTH NOTES

COMMON COLD PREVENTION & TREATMENT

(Contributed by the Department of

Health.)

The advent of winter, accompanied often with constant changes-in climatic conditions, lias a tendeaey to usher in that distressing, unwelcome complaint known as the common cold* This period of the year, when "coughing drowns the parson's saw," is one thereforo in which precautionary measures should be taken to avoid this condition. Tho importance of the so-called common cold is obvious. The condition itself is unwisely considered so trifling that vigorous individuals usually do not permit the disease to hamper their daily pursuits, and in consequence promiscuous association continues without precautions. The result is that colds usually go through families, schools, and business groups, and rapidly become scattered in many different small epidomies throughout tho citycommunities. The economic consequences of this are considerable in that enormous numbers of people who . acquire- this disease lose efficiency for a short time, and if we were able to make an esti-^ mate of the economic loss resulting from common colds, it might well show that in this respect this simple malady is more important than many graver conditions. ■ ■ .- ■ ' BISKS 01" NEGLECTED COLDS. The risks of neglected colds are twofold—to ■ tho individual ■ and to the community at large. In the first place, there ' is considerable danger of the cold producing more serious infections, such as bronchitis, laryngitis, and broncho-pneu-monia. Secondly, during tho course of the condition by sneezing, coughing, and spitting there occurs an indiscriminate scattering of saliva and nasal and bronchial mucus. This results in an inter-: change N of mouth and throat' bacteria ftf I a dangerous nature among the population, and the consequent increase of the '' carrier problem. Medical statistics have shown that during the existence of an. epidemic of colds there occurs a distinct increase in ''carriers" of virulent infections. ■ ■ TREATMENT. There arc' two kinds of common colds —the cold caught from other people and the one contracted, even though colds are not prevalent in tho population. People who have adenoids or diseased tonsils or are run-down are likely +o have either kind. Very 1 few colds would develop into serious illness if the person who has the cold were .wise enough to take proper care of himself the first day or two. Best in bed if possible, or,at least indoors is advisable/if the victim feels weak, as'weakness may be a sign of influenza. A laxative should bo taken. Plenty of cold water should be taken, and a light amount of simple, nourishing food. Breathing steam or using a saltwater nasal douche, if the doctor advises it, may relievo the "stopped up" feeling. At night before going to bed a hot bath, or at least a hot foot-bath, is .recommended. After drying the sufferer should bo covered up in bed with extra blankets, so. as to "sweat the cold out of tho system. 5? A hot drink, such as lemon, assists perspiration. When besides the general symptoms of a cold fever occurs, and the back and legs ache badly, probably influenza is indicated, and a doctor's advice should be immediately sought. PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. Common colds are frequently followed by pneumonia. This is particularly true in very young children. .Now- the question comes, what can bo done to protect thes,o children? Sinco aU'colds, couglis, anel other diseases of the air passages are catching, it'follows that the same' precautions against infection should be followed with these common disorders as with tho more serious disorders. While it is difficult to prevent colds entirely, there are certain.things which should always be done. It is''important to keep the germs of this discaso from getting into the mouth and nose. Older children can 'be. taught to wash the hands carefully immediately before eating, and to keep, their hands and all things which may have been handled by others away from the mouth and nose. Infants, of course) will put their hands, into their mouths, but it is not necessary to give them much handled articles. Using one V own' handkerchief to wipe a baby's nose. is' dangerous, as is the practice of some mothers of tasting the baby's food; then handing the child the same'spoon.' It is important to keep, the rooms of the houso at a moderate, temperature. Air in the winter time is much' drier thanat other seasons, especially if the'rooms aro kept too warm, and is; more irritating to the membranes of tho air passages. Babies- and young children need sunlight as well as older people. Dp not keep a well child indoors just because it is cold out of doors. Trotect the baby well and put him out where he will get the sunlight, ilf a child h*as a cold it is safest to keep'him in bed for a few days until the.acute, stage is past. Keep all dislies and other articles used by the patient separate, and boil or otherwise disinfect them before their use by others. In other words, colds should bo considered contagious, and tho same sort of care taken as with epidemic diseases. ' ! GENERAL ADVICE. Keep the body built up by! eating nourishing food, observing regular sleeping hours, exercising outdoors in the sunshine, and drinking plenty of water daily. Train the skin to stand changes in temperature by frequent bathing. Wear sensible, clothing. Breathe through the nose. Air is filtered as, it passes along the. nasal passages on its way to the lungs.. See a doctor) if difficulty of breathing through the noso is experienced. Live and work in well ventilated rooms. if you have a cold see that-you do not convey it to others by personal neglect of simple precautionary measures, for there is no reason why a cold should spread through a home if'these are observed. Tho individual who coughs and sneezes over the other occupants in a' tram or placo of public gathering is deliberately spreading infection and endangering the health of th? community. ■•■:.. , ' ' ' '' '