HEALTH NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 73, 30 March 1929, Page 13

HEALTH NOTES

INFLUENZA

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC

(Contributed by the Department of

Heal Hi.)

The history of influeiiid. shows that from time to time epidemics of tile disease arise. History also shows that the efforts of man to control the spread of this disease by isolation and quarantine are of littlo avail. Influenza is a disease that is most infectious and is one that very rapidly spreads throughout a community in which it has obtained a footing.

During the last few months a fairly extensive epidemic has occurred in North America, and at present an epidemic is in existence in Great Britain and parts of Europe. Afc is almost invariably the case, the number of deaths from pneumonia and bronchitis following influenza has greatly increased in these countries.

At the time of writing there is no increased incidence of influenza in New Zealand, but how long this happy state of affairs will last no one can tell. The Ministry of Health (England) states that quarantine restrictions are quite impracticable to prevent the advent of this disease, so that the question of avoiding infection becomes largely one of individual effort.

HOW INFECTION IS SPREAD.

The infection is conveyed from the sick to the well by the secretions of the respiratory surface. In coughing, sneezing, and even in loudi talking these are transmitted through the air for considerable distances. The infection enters the body through the nose and throat, and a certain amount of evidence is available to prove that infection can be received through the eyes. Only a very brief, exposure is necessary to receive infection. It will be evident that the closer the contact the more readily will one acquire infection. Therefore, avoid overcrowding and thronging of every kind, whether in public meetings, public conveyances, dwellings, factories, or dormitories. Special, danger seems to exist where sleeping quarters are. overcrowded.

Infection can also be conveyed by haiids or handkerchiefs' that have been soiled by excretions of the nose and throat of infected persons.

Experience from the past tends to show that overcrowded trains, tramears and buses, and places of entertainment arc very important factors in the spread of infection.

MEASURES FOE PERSONAL

PROTECTION.

The first essential is.to avoid needless exposure, avoid as far as possiblo overcrowded conditions. Most persons are able to avoid some occasions of forming part of a crowd or assembly. Throat gargling night and morning is helpful, but its importance should not bo exaggerated. A simplo gargle can be made by adding a tablespoonful of compound glycerine of thymol to a glassful of warm water. Another, probably, as effective as the above, can be made by adding a small amount of potassium permanganate to a tumblerful of water, enough to give a light pink colour. This can also be used to wash the nasal passages, a Bmall amount being poured into the holWw of the hand and snuffed or drawn Up into the nostrils. , .

Well-ventilated airy rooms, by promoting physical well-being, Sire inimical to infection. The use of face- masks made of muslin should t>6''restricted to' those in attendance- on the sick. The continuous use of a face niask hinders the free circulation of air through the nasal passages and causes congestion of these parts, and so decreases the local resistance of the tissues.

No drug has yet been proved to have any specific influence as a preventive of influenza. • ;

PRECAUTIONS WHEN ATTACKED.

Continuing at work ; after the first symptoms appear is bad for the patient, and may be dangerous 'to others. Workers obviously ill should at once be sent or taken home. Where influenza is prevalent, no person should in any way bo penalised for staying away from work, bona fide, for even a slight attack of influenza or any form of feverish cold. On the contrary, he should be expected and required so to do. At tho first feeling of illness or rise of temperaturo the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medical treatment. The doctor, if called in immediately at onset, is afforded the opportunity of giving advice or treatment, which may in many cases ward off tho more dangerous complications. Eelapses and complications are much less likely to occur if the 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 overexertion during convalescence are fruitful of evil consequences. The early stages of an attack arc the most infectious, but infection may persist throughout the illness, and isola tion should be maintained at least till the_ temperature is normal. If the patient cannot occupy a separate room, the head of the bed should, if possible, be screened off from the rest of tho apartment.

The virus of influenza ia. easily destroyed, and extensive measures of dis infection are not called for. Expec tbration should be received when possible in a suitable receptacle iii which is a solution of chloride of lime or other disinfectant. Discarded handkerchiefs should be immediately placed in disinfectant or, if of paper, burnt. The liability of the immediate attendants to infection may be materially diminished by avoiding inhalation of tho patient's breath, and particularly when ho is coughing,": 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 guarded against, and tho hands should be washed at once after contact with the patient or with mucus from the nose or throat.

Each case should be treated under the direction of the medical attendant. No drug has as yet beeii proved to have any specific curative effect on influenza, though some may bo useful in guiding its course and mitigating its symptoms. The patieilt's recovery should be fully established before he returns to work.