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Pneumonia—Very prevalent, and seemed to have a tendency to begin
deeply, the symptoms being unmistakable for forty-eight hours before the
appearance of definite physical signs.
Meningism—I have had three cases (in children of 16, 7 and 7) showing
all the symptoms of meningitis, irritability followed by profound unconsciousness,
with rigidity of the neck, slight optic neuritis in two cases. All
three recovered totally.
Disuria—I have had two cases of serious disuria in patients, aged
between twenty and thirty, accompanied by a swollen condition of the
vulva and inner sides of the thighs where they touched the inflamed parts.
Both cases fatal.
Albuminuria—Almost universal—generally slight.
Rash—A punctate, scarlatiniform rash very common, with an "oral
ring," but not followed by desquamation, and not accompanied by any
injection of the fauces or "strawberry tongue."
I believe the fatal issue in so many cases has been largely due to "keeping
about" too long. This is largely due, I think, to the unusually prosperous
condition of my patients, just now, the high wages tempting them to
remain at work when, if their wages were at the normal figure, they would
prefer to remain at home or go into some institution instead of working.
I think the fortunate immunity from deaths which we have experienced
amongst the staff here is due to their being very carefully watched, and sent
off duty directly they appeared to be in the least ill. In this way we have
had many nurses fretting in the sick room with nothing the matter with them,
but although we have had many severe cases of influenza, we have had no
single case of pneumonia.
Prevention of Influenza.
The district was posted and handbills distributed advising use of the
Council's Electrolytic Disinfecting Fluid, obtainable at the seven distributing
depots.
To commence with, add two or three teaspoonsful of the Council's
Electrolytic Disinfecting Fluid to a tumblerful of lukewarm water, rinse
the mouth well and gargle the throat two or three times a day or more frequently
; also douche the inside of the nose with the diluted solution by
pouring some of it into the palm of the hand, draw up through the nostrils
and expel through the mouth.
FOR ADULTS the gargle may be used stronger if desired to the benefit
of the user. Of course, the gargle, like all other gargles, should not be
swallowed.
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