INFLUENZA WAVES

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 46

INFLUENZA WAVES

EVERY THIRTY YEARS. EXPERIENCES IN ENGLAND. There is every indication that the present outbreak of influenza is not so widespread nor of so virulent a type *as that experienced last year (states a London exchange). This is the view taken by Mr E. W. Morris, house governor of the London Hospital. Doctors consider that if the attack, is treated in time it need not be severe. Gastrio trouble is a new feature of the present outbreak.. Many of the doctors and the nursing staff of the London Hospital have been attacked by influenza, but in most cases the illness does _ not become severe, because it has been taken in time. Masks of several thicknesses of muslin are worn by all nurses attending influenza and pneumonia patients. They act, says Mr Morris as an air filter, and afford a real protection against the germs which enter the body through the mouth. "We have issued no leaflets containing preventive measures because they tend to make people frightened, and there is no doubt that people who are afraid of a disease are the first to got it. The best way to avoid influenza is to keep fit, wear warm clothing, thick boots, and eat plenty of nourishing food. Occasional gargling of throat with a carbolic lotion is a useful precaution which should be adopted by alb who have influenza patients in the house. "We knew the epidemic of influenza was on its way eary last year, and that it would' come in three waves," said Mr Morris. " A great world-wide wave of influenza sweeps over the globe every 29 or 30 years, and this one was due. We expected it would come in three stages, so that this should be the last for the next 30 years." £700,000 IN DEATH CLAIMS.

Several of the leading insurance con*panies of the United Kingdom _ have their headquarters in Edinburgh, and it .was ascertained on inquiry recently _ that the mortality rate experienced owing to the influenza epidemic is phenomenally high. One company, which during the last outbreak paid out £700,000 in death claims, states that during the last two or three months they have had as many claims as during the heaviest-fighting of the war. MYSTERY MICROBE. "As yet we do not know the nature of the living virus to which influenza is due," confesses a memorandum on the prevention of the disease, issued by the Medical Department of the Local Government Board. "It is possibly beyond the range of microijoopio vision. At" present, therefore, the fact must be accepted that most members of the public who go about their ordinary vocations must expect to be exposed to infection, and many to have the illness in. some form or other. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the individual to do not only the best for himself, but to protect others. It is, likewise, the duty of the public health, authorities to take any practicable steps during an epidemic to lessen the opportunity of infection. On present knowledge, the public is not advised to make a general use of face masks. Masks should be used, however, by those attending on the sick. It is desirable to protect the eyes by wearing goggles or glasses. A standard vaccine to prevent complications, has been used in the army, and in some districts supplies of this vaccine are issued by the medical officers of health for use in institutions, or to medical practitioners who apply for it. The vaccine does not infallibly prevent complications, but the results of its use have been encouraging. There need be no hesitation in accepting inoculation when it is administered under competent medical advice."