Health in the Home

Southland Times, Issue 21648, 9 March 1932, Page 3

Health in the Home

HOW TO FIGHT THE ’FLU. (By a Family Doctor.) There is happily, so far, every indication that the present prevalence of influenza is not of a severe type, though there are probably being included under its heading, as is usually the case, a large number of ordinary catarrhal colds in which a slight rise of temperature is present. Unless influenza, indeed, is definitely accompanied by' some particular additional involvement, such as the very

acute massive pneumonia which was so fatal in the great epidemic just after the war, it is very difficult, in the early stages, to be sure of the diagnosis. Where there is no such special accompaniment as pneumonia or gastritis, it is chiefly in the intense weakness and depression that follows it that its presence becomes manifest. This is very characteristic, and is out of all apparent proportion to the day or two’s rise of te ™~ perature that has preceded it; and this , prolonged weakness is seldom a sequel of . the ordinary feverish cold. I From the point of view of treatment, as i well as the checking of the spread of the j disease, this after-depression should never be lightly regarded. There should be no hastening back to work just because the temperature has become normal. The languor and mental fatigue are sure signs that the body is still at war with some : hostile toxin or poison. | As a preventive measure for those who I have hitherto escaped an attack, plenty of ] exercise and fresh air, with avoidance of • chill, is still the best prescription. But : recent researches have confirmed that ; certain foodstuffs have a special value in this connection. It has been shown that Vitamin A, contained in cod-liver oil and other fish oils, in dairy produce, eggs and certain green vegetables, has a marked effect, in conferring resistance to bacterial invasions. Care should therefore be taken that plenty of these articles should be included in the daily diet. An addition of cod-hver oil to the nursery meals and an extra glass of milk for everybody are thus wise, domestic precautions. Whether nasal douches or gargles are of much material benefit is more doubtful, but the daily cleansing of the nose, mouth, and teeth with some mild antiseptic should not be neglected. Finally, if a cold and rise in temperature occur, bed is indicated until at least a whole day has elapsed after the temperature has again become normal.