Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1919. INFLUENZA PRECAUTIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1983, 29 May 1919, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 29, 1919. INFLUENZA PRECAUTIONS.

AT lhe-rei|aesl of (lie Minister, tlie Public 1 lee It 1) Department has furnished ;i i , i‘|)ori as to precautions recommended in ease id: n recrudescence of I lie epidemic. in regard to the use <d vaccines ami inoculation, died,, avoidance <d.‘ contacts, and avoidance with crowds. The report in to the effect Unit iimplo slocks of vaccines have been prepared and distributed to the various hospital boards, to lie available to those practitioners who desire to use them. As regards inoculation, tho Department does not recommend it, for the reason that the results where it has been tried are no! fiy any means convincing enough to justify its adoption generally. The Chief Health 0 Hi cor has communicated with New South A Yales, asking to be advised as to (In 1 result of inoculation there, but the reply lias not yet come to hand. With regard to diet, a pamphlet which has been prepared is now awaiting confirmation before issue. When ready, a large supply will be printed, and circulated, principally in the backblocks. The report continues: “Avoidanee of contracting' (he disease can best be obtained by the public generally observing the ordinary rules of health—fresh air, good food, by having due regard to sudden changes of climate, changing their underclothing accordingly, also occasional cleansing of nose and throat with a mild antiseptic.” Kegarding the avoidance of crowds, ! the report .states';—“The practice of persons mixing with crowds is a | most important factor in causing a 1 recurrence of the disease, but it is i doubtful whether the Department . can .sufficiently stress the point to make the public realise the danger they are facing without tending towards panic amongst the hysterically inclined section of the community” Other matters wliich the

public arc advised to give attention to are to sec that their houses are well ventilated by open windows and doors, to avoid unnecessary travel in trains, trams and steamers. People should be encouraged to walk to work more than at present. The Department advises also prompt isolation and early notification of every .suspected ease by the householder, as a measure thaly will assist greatly in dealing with a recrudescence. The Local Government Board in Bfta in has lately ■published a valuable article on the prevention of influenza. This is being reprinted by instruction of the Minister of Public Health in the current number of the Journal of Public Health, Copies are being despatched to all local bodies in New Zealand, and 50,000 copies, or more if necessary, of the measures of personal precaution recommended by the Local Government Board are to be reprinted. An arrangement will lie made with the Postal authorities for a copy to be left by the letter-carriers at every house in the Dominion. The Minister hopes that by giving this information from Jlie most valuable authority in the world (o the people of New Zealand the Health Department may he assisted in dealing with the sickness should it ever come again.