INFLUENZA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25428, 8 January 1944, Page 8

INFLUENZA

Sir,—lnfluenza ha 3 been rife in England and elsewhere. Its arrival in New Zealand in due course of time is not merely a possibility or a probability, like the arrival of the Japanese, but a certainty. Na doubt the public have been glad to learn that the E.P.S. has been organiseu to deal with the epidemic when it has arrived and if it assumes a specially sinister character. But it would seem that nothing is being done comparable to what the Allied forces are doing in the Southern Pacific to prevent the Japanese from ever getting here. This passive attitude of expectancy of influenza, combined with preparation for the worst possible, may be justified in the minds of many because the total prevention of influenza in New Zealand is impossible. Nevertheless, there are many things which could be done now with a view of preventing the spread of any epidemic of influenza in New Zealand or the free development, out of ordinary influenza, of the plague form of that disease. These things are worth doing, and worth doing now. To wait until influenza has again reached our shores is to wait until it is too late. , . In the present state of medical knowledge the best way in which to prevent this Dominion from being decimated by influenza is to wage a campaign of prevention now against ordinary colds and sore throats. Both humanitarian feeling and the economic interest of all classes and individuals would, if the position were realised, work together as a single combined motive to give effective strength to such a movement. Certaimy to think that these diseases, which are the great scourge of temperate climes, can be completely prevented in the present state of medical knowledge would be to dream, but much could be done if the will to do what is possible existed in the Government and in the people. But it should be clearly recognised that, just as no Government can create happiness of the people without their co-operation, so a people cannot be given health nor escape the calamities of influenza by mere governmental action. To hold influenza in check the cordial and active co-operation of the pepole is essential. At present in Dunedin the pavements outside—and, far too often, the floors within —places of entertainment can be seen covered with sputum. In shops in which food is sold, cakes may be seen exposed on the counter . which separates the pleasing, laughing, smiling and perhaps coughing saleswomen from a crowd of the general public engaged in coughing, speaking, laughing, or sneezing. In some public restaurants the dish washing is obviously faulty. The time at which to correct such elementary errors in hygiene is now and not when influenza has appeared amongst us. In the development of a heightened virulence in the influenza and other respiratory infectious agents the travelling of large sections of the public can play an effective part. The general hygiene of trains is a matter of importance. The same can be said of public halls and meeting places. Ventilation is a great enemy of influenza, but one of the worst ventilated halls that I have seen in New Zealand was a picture hall in a military camp. To prevent influenza and colds, etc., the resistance of the individual should be kept high. This can only be done if in many places the personnel that does the cooking is made better informed and perhaps also given, by adequate criticism and appreciation, a different view of the importance and responsibility of its work. Much more could be said, but I hesitate to occupy more of your space. I shall content myself by saying that unless a campaign of education, and of local and departmental administration, is undertaken against these common diseases now, those in charge should take their share of blame if influenza again decimates New Zealand as it did in the last war. At present neither the common soldier nor the common citizen has a practical knowledge or appreciation of the danger lie creates by speaking right in to the faces of his companions when he has a cold, nor of the hygienic crime he commits when he goes to the pictures with a fresh cold and infects the atmosphere through his laughter, coughing, sneezing and speaking. Perhaps a committee drawn from the Federation of Employers and the trade union organisations might awaken public opinion to the importance of this question.—l am, etc.,

Southern Cross.