HOW NEW YORK FOUGHT THE 'FLU'

Evening Star, Issue 16987, 8 March 1919, Page 5

HOW NEW YORK FOUGHT THE 'FLU'

Madame De Kuryls, who recently arrived in Sydney from America to appear at the production of ' liubbly,' was a dancer at the Opera Comique in New York when the influenza broke out in that city. She acted as a volunteer nurse throughout the epidemic, serving under Dr H. Baer, and therefore speaks from actual experience. In the course of an interview -with the 'Sunday Times' she tells how the trouble was combated in that- groat city : Many persona have criticised the- authorities of New York for not cleaning up that city during the epidemic. The real reason was this: We were* still at war with Germany, and New York, being the irreat metropolis of America, tho psychological effects of her action meant much. To close our greatest port -was to cry aloud that we were stricken, which would have produced profound joy in Germany ; to, like the Spartan toy, we hugged our wounde and laughed. There -wa-s, however, a queer side to the situation. By actual statistics New York had a smaller percentage of influenza than any other city in America; and, queerer still, of the enrrjTjvyees of trams—surface, elevated, and snlM^— the subway men had the smallest of all. No one can explain thesWMings; they are the tricks ot the EpaniW influenza. Why tho cities that closed tight had more iiu, and men who had practically no fresh air had less cases., are problems still to be solved. In New York City everything that was possible •was done. Business places and shops by law opened and closed at different hours to avoid crowding the trams. Free written directions for nursing, medicine, and food -were given. Nothings-was closed, but the theatres, churches, etc.. were cleaned fend fumigated. Tho crowds were pay as usual, the people feeling "We will not give Germany the satisfaction of thinking that vr» are all dying here." This spirit had much to do with helping to guard against the disease. If you think of nothing but flu, talk and dream of it. you are soon in such a nervous, weakened condition that you are courting tho disease Itself. Not understanding as much about the germ as we would like to know, we can only follow rules that lvave so far been actually proved. Here are a few of them, called from advice given by the best American doctors: Do not allow yourself to become fatigued. Take more sleep than your usual amount; if possible, a nap during the day alao. Drink as much water as possible, beginning with a large glass of hot water ■with a pinch of salt on arising in tho morning. Avoid both over-heating and chilling. Wear a light wool and cotton garment fc«rfc to the skin. Keep mouth clean ; gargle throat with salt and water; also with any good garglo. Eat plenty of plain, wholesome, easilydigested food. Keep bowels in best condition by taking gentle laxative now and then. Clean nose thoroughly, and insert tame good inhalant three or four times a day. When out, wear a mask of at least four layers of gauze, and see that it fitß. Most masks seen arc merely camouflaged, and not the slightest protection. Made of lightweight wire, it can be readily shaped to- fit the face. Guard against flies. I think, perhaps, one thing that saved New York was that •verythicg is screened. Flies are your greatest enemy. They go from hospital and flu cases" straight to your houses, bringing the deadly germs with then:. If you cannot screen your house, at least cover your dining room, kitchen, and pantry windows with closely-woven, strong mosquito netting. Take every precaution against the disease, then forget it as much "as possible. That is, avoid the continual discussions of it. Many hysterical women have worked themselves into a fever »over it. Especially at meal hours prohibit the family talking of flu.