SIGNS OF INFLUENZA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19701, 5 August 1938, Page 6

SIGNS OF INFLUENZA

HOW TO TREAT DISEASE PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE (Contributed by the Department of Health) Influenza begins like a cold. There may be pains in the head, eyes, and limbs, a watery discharge from the nose, chilly sensations, sore throat, cough, and extreme muscular prostration. There may also be abdominal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and cramps. There is fever, which varies according to the intensity of the disea.se. There are many varieties of influenza, and any organ of the body may be attacked. Pneumonia is a frequent complication. At the first feeling of illness or rise 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, as much harm may be done by getting about too early. Should pneumonia be suspected, medical advice should be immediately obtained. Good nursing care is highly essential in these cases. To avoid catching influenza, rooms should be kept airy and well ventilated at aIL times, crowding should be avoided, and the body should be kept in good condition by eating the right kinds of food. In addition, the feet should be kept warm and dry, the skin should be trained to stand changes of temperature by frequent bathing, and .suitable clothing should be worn. It should also be remembered that overwork, lack of sleep and of exercise, over-indulgence in alcohol, and exposure to cold and wet increase a person's susceptibility to influenza and pneumonia.