INFLUENZA

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 102, 3 May 1939, Page 8

INFLUENZA

AVOIDING ATTACKS

COMPLICATION DANGER

As influenza is more prevalent during the winter months, and also brings more risk of complications, the Health Department has issued information regarding the disease.

This disease begins like a cold. There may be pains in the head, eyes, and limbs, a watery discharge from the nose, chilly sensations, sore throat, cough, and extreme muscular prostration. There may also be abdominal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and cramps. There is fever which varies according to the intensity of the disease. There are many varieties of the disease and any organ of the body may be attacked. Pneumonia is a frequent complication.

At the first feeling of illness or rise of temperature the patient should go to bed, keep warm, and seek medical treatment. Relapses and complications are much less likely to occur if the patient goes to bed at once and skilled advice is obtained; much harm may be done by getting about too early. Chill and over-exertion during convalescence are fruitful of evil consequences. Should pneumonia be suspected, medical advice should be immediately obtained. Good nursing care is highly essential in these cases. HIGHLY INFECTIOUS. Influenza is a highly infectious disease and the avoidance of infection is difficult. There are certain precautions, however, which, if undertaken, should reduce the liability both of acquiring and spreading infection. See that rooms are airy and well ventilated at all times. During influenza prevalence avoid all conditions of crowding and thus reduce the liability of coming into close contact with j those who may be "incubating" or carrying the disease or who have "colds." Do not- cough or sneeze without protecting the mouth with a handkerchief.

Do not unnecessarily visit those suffering from influenza. Do not try to "work off" the disease but stay at home and go to bed. Reniain in the fresh air as much as possible. Well ventilated tramcars. buses, and railway carriages help to prevent spread of infection.

Keep the body in good condition by eating the right kinds of food; keep the feet warm and dry: train the skin to stand frequent changes of temperature by frequent bathing, and wear suitable clothing. Overwork, lack of sleep and exercise, over-indulgence in alcohol, exposure to cold and wet, increase susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia.

Go to bed and keep warm; stay there till the doctor gives permission to get up. Isolation of the patient from the rest of the household should be practised. All sputum and discharge from the nose should be received into cloths, which should be burnt.

Sterilise all handkerchiefs by boiling. All patient's dishes should be "scalded" or, if possible, "boiled." The hands both of the attendant and the patient should receive scrupulous attention. Only one member of the household should attend the patient.

Remember that the chief danger of influenza lies in the complications and that these complications arise chiefly as the result of carelessness such _as not going to bed soon enough, getting up too soon and'reducing tho bodily resistance by exposure to cold and wet. Over-exertion in the convalescent period is also dangerous.