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(6) Remember the infection gets into the body by the mouth
and nose, and when Influenza is prevalent there is risk of breathing
in infection in most places of public resort.
Therefore at these times gargle the throat, morning and evening,
with luke-warm water containing a little salt (half a teaspoonful to
half a pint of water) and sufficient crystals of Permanganate of
Potash to make the water pink. Some of the mixture should also
be placed in the palm of the hand and sniffed up the nostrils and
expelled through the mouth.
How to Act if Attacked.
Even if the attack is mild, keep indoors and warm. Bed is the
best place. Remember the risk of dangerous complications and of
spreading of infection to others. Get the advice and treatment of a
doctor, and the assistance of a nurse also if the attack is severe.
Pneumonia and heart failure often follow Influenza, so avoid
chill and over-exertion after the illness has gone.
You must do all that is possible to avoid spreading infection ;
with this object:—
(a) Occupy, if possible, a separate room.
(b) In coughing and sneezing shield the mouth and nose with
a handkerchief which should be soaked morning and
evening, for a few minutes, in almost boiling water, and
dried.
(c) Destroy the spit. Material coughed up should be received
in a special vessel and afterwards disinfected or burned.
N.B. Disinfectants, and some nursing assistance, can be
obtained, free of cost, on application to the Town Hall, Milton Road.
HENRY KENWOOD.
Medical Officer of Health.