HOW TO OVERCOME INFLUENZA

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 3778, 3 May 1919, Page 1

HOW TO OVERCOME INFLUENZA

UP-TO-DATE ADVICE BY A

LEADING AUTIIOIMTY

THE SINGING CURE

(From tho London Express.)

A new method of righting I lie next influenza epidemic wa s suggested bySir E. Napier Rurnett. M.D., on whom the King conferred the K.JJ.E. lor hi s services during the war as chairman of the economic committee of the Army Medical Department of the War Oflico.

During the four and a half years of Ihe war the total British fosses in dead numbered G70,000, while it is estimated that more than 100,000 persons have already been killed by influenza within a few onths. If each of the 100,000 Jives lost is valued at, only £500 this represents a total national loss of £.30,000,000. Sir Napier Rurnett urges that two measures should be put in force iv all parts of the country—

The opening of large halls as temporary influenza hospitals. Adoption of the Canadian plan of an annual spring "clean lip" of all the streets, open spaces, and backyards in every town. "A striking experiment which was made in a midland industrial town in November should be brought to the notice of municipal authorities in all parts of the country," said Sir Napier Burnett to a Daily Express representative. IMPItOMPTU HOSPITAL.

"The hospitals were full, and the authorities were alarmed at the high death rate. They resolved to take action. They advertised for trained nurses, but were unable to secure a staJf owing to the shortage of nurses. Nevertheless, they instructed tho medical officer of health to take a large ball an open it as a temporary hospital. They provided it with beds and fires, and by means of advertisement obtained voluntary nursing assistance. Women gave their services for two or three hours at a time. They took in 130 patients from the poorer and moro congested areas, where people were dying rapidly.

"The effect was remarkable. Although the present influenza is marked by a high mortality, 75 per cent of the patients who were treated in -this temporary hospital were saved. "The simple fact is that they were given a chance. Although tho teni-'porai-.y hospjital was only a [largo hall, it secured for the patients: A suitable,„clean bed. Fresh air and warmth. Properly cooked food, given at the right time. Nursing attention. "These are the chief factors necessary to the successful fighting of the epidemic. I suggest other towns should open large halls as temporary influenza, hospitals. "There are two aspects of tho disease to be considered," added Sir Napier Burnett; "one is the infection itself, and tho other the soil in which it works. The soil is affected by physical and mental considerations. TOO MUCH "DON'T."

"People are depressed by the chorus of 'Don'ts.' It is 'Don't do thie, don't do that, don't do the other. People are frightened. All kinds of circustances combine to depress them—the fear of strikes, the anxiety caused by nursing others, the general uneasiness. Wo want a more buoyant spirit. Mr Lloyd George sing.' His aclvico had a splendid cfsng.' His advice had a splendid effect. Confidence is half tho battle. People who aro afraid go under. Those who aro calm and obeerhil may go through an epidemic -unhurt. Let the people go on singing . "We ought to adopt the Canadian plan of a municipal spring cleaning. Wash the whole town. Let the authorities engage all the unemployed people and organise a thorough clean-up of every street and space. Swill out the back yards. Have a clean-up crusade. That will do a good deal in the fight against influenza."

Leading specialists met at the institute of Hygiene in conference on I "Influenza and its prevention." "People who sneeze and cough without holding a handkerchief before their faces should be prosecuted for indecency," said Sir St. Clair Thomson. "The disease is splashed upon us by people talking, laughing, coughing and sneezing near us.'' The importance of breathing fresh air was urged with great unanimity and emphasis. Dr. Murray Leslie urged that a good breakfast and a. brisk walk before begiuniiur work were most helpful in keeping tit which is man's lirst duty during a dire plague such as Hm present epidemic.