INFLUENZA CARE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 215, 9 August 1940, Page 8

INFLUENZA CARE.

TIMELY ADVICE. : DEPARTMENT’S WARNING. j In New Zealand there arc periodically experienced, particularly during the winter months, outbreaks of respiratory infection exhibiting symptoms somewhat more severe than those characterising the common cold. These respiratory infections are often referred to as influenza, though not ol the same severe epidemic type as experienced in 1918. However, the department desires again to draw atten -, tion to the following information about this infection, which is somewhat prevalent, and certain measures for its prevention and treatment. This disease begins like a cold. There may be pains in the head, eyes, ana limbs, a watery discharge from the nose, chilly sensations, sore throat, cough, and extreme muscular prostration. There mav also be abdominal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and cramps. There is lever which varies according to the intensity of the disease. There arc many varieties of the disease, and any organ of the body may be attacked. Pncu- | rnonia is sometimes a complication. j At the first feeling of illness or rise 1 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, me- - advice should be immediately obtained. Good nursing care is highly essential in these cases. IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS. Influenza is. a highly infectious disease, and tjie avoidance of infection is difficult. There are certain precautions, however, winch if undertaken should reduce the liability both of acquiring and spreading .infection. These are: (1) See that your rooms are airv and well ventilated at all times. (2) During influenza prevalence avoid all conditions of crowding and thus reduce the liability of eomin<r into close contact with those who mav be “incubating” or carrying the disease or who have ‘colds. (a) D° not cough or sneeze without protecting the mouth with a handkerchief. (4) Do not unnecessarily visit those sufferin'' from influenza. (5) Do not try to “work off” the disease, but stay at home and go to bed. (6) Remain m the fresh air as much as possible. v') Well vcntil red tramcars, buses and railway carriages help to preven spread of infection. (8) Keep your bodv in good condition by eating the right kinds of food; keep your feet warm and dry; train your skill to stand frequent changes of temperature bv frequent bathing- and wear suitable clothing. (9) Overwork, lack of sleep and exercise, over-indulgence in alcohol, exposure to cold and wet, increase susceptibility to influenza and

pneumonia . . , ~ When attacked the victim should: (1) Go to bed and keep warm; stay there till the doctor gives permission to get up. (2) Isolation ol tlie patient from the rest of- the household should be practised. (3) All sputum and discharge from the nose should he received into cloths, which should be burned. (4) Sterilise all handkerchiefs by boiling. (5) all patients dishes should he “scalded” or, if possible. “boiled ” (6) The hands, both of the attendant and the patient, should receive scrupulous attention. (7) Only, one member of the household sheu’d attend tlie patient. The chief danger of influenza lies in the complications, and these compilcations arise chiefly as the lesult or carelessness such as not going to bed soon enough, getting up too soon, and reducing the bodily resistance by exposure to cold and wet. Over-exertion in tlie convalescent period is also dangerous.