INFLUENZA

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 August 1929, Page 10

INFLUENZA

HISTORY OF DISEASE.

The prevalence of influenza at the present time induces the following comment:— Until the pandemic of 1918 swept across the world, leaving its train of horror, influenza was regarded by.the man or woman in the street as little more than a- catarrhal cold, with perhaps a slight backache and feverish symptoms; and this is the form .in which it most frequently occurs. But, as was brought home very vividly to all, ’at the end of the war, it can be quite equal in virulence to even the much-dreaded bubonic plague, and has many times previously made sad history in the life of civilised man. The incubation period is from two to five days, and the period for -which a person remains infectious is probably well into the late stages of convalescence. There are four distinct clinical types of the disease. The -well-known and more or less mild type with feverish symptoms, which seems to be, prevalent during each winter; the respiratory type, in which, there are symptoms of pneumonia, which are often very severe, and accompanied by a dark discolouration of the skin or syanosis; the gastric type, with severe stomach and bowel symptoms; and last of all the cerebral type, which in its severe form is similar to meningitis. Severe prostration and mental depression are usually marked even in. the mildest cases and may persist for some considerable time afterward. Many nervous symptoms, such as in-

somma, irritability of temper, neuritis, neuralgia, hysteria, and even insanity, especially of a melancholic tendency, may be found troublesome aftei' a severe attack, especially if the influenza has been of the cerebral type. The general treatment includes rest in bed with warm sponging. Be careful that there is no draught in the room while this is being done.

Once a day the bowels must be made to move. Plenty of oranges and grapes, if they can be got, will be the best means of effecting this. Do not stint fluid; give as many drinks as can be taken, and'while temperature is above normal, milk diet (chiefly as drinks) is necessary. Beef tea, broths, and orange drinks can be used to vary the drinks of milk. Water, malt and cod liver oil combined, can. be used to build up the strength. A change of air especially to hilly country will be found of great benefit. Above all, do not hasten to get up or about too soon.