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17
PREVENTION OF INFLUENZA.
In the early part of the year the Ministry of Health issued a Circular Letter and
Memorandum respecting precautionary measures which it was considered desirable
should be taken in advance of the appearance of any possible Influenza epidemic. The
Memorandum set out certain administrative action, which included:—
(1) Notification of medical practitioners.
(2) The publication of precautionary posters.
(3) The issue of precautionary leaflets.
(4) The provision of skilled nursing in cases with complication.
(5) The provision for medical treatment if the patient is not under the care of a
doctor, and
(6) Free distribution by the Local Authority of Influenza vaccine.
With the approval of the Sanitary Committee a letter was addressed to medical
men practising in the City, informing them that a supply of prophylactic vaccine would
be kept at Guildhall, and stating that, although it did not appear necessary to make
such extensive preparation in the City in respect of treatment and nursing as would
be desirable in larger and more densely populated areas, appropriate action would
be taken in respect of such as were reported as requiring either special treatment or
nursing.
A copy of the pamphlet of the Ministry of Health was distributed at all houses
and offices in the City, and a supply given to the Head Masters of the schools for
distribution to pupils with instruction to take them home to their parents.
A poster was also prepared and circulated in places of business, and also exhibited
in conspicuous positions throughout the City.
The Sanitary Committee further authorised the expenditure of a sum of £30 in
connection with the provision of medical assistance and nursing attendance.
DIPHTHERIA.
In the early part of the year the Metropolitan Asylums Board's accommodation
for infectious diseases was severely taxed as a consequence of the large number of
cases seeking admission, and although every effort was made to admit promptly all
cases the Board were asked to receive, some little delay occurred in certain instances.
The Board, when directing the attention of local authorities to the possibility
of delay in admission to hospital of persons suffering from Diphtheria, called particular
attention to the necessity in these circumstances of the prompt administration of
anti-toxin in sufficiently large doses. From experience gained they were of opinion
that recovery of patients was prejudiced by delay in the use of anti-toxin, and by its
administration in doses which were altogether inadequate.
Having regard to the importance of this point, the following letter was, with the
approval of the Sanitary Committee, addressed to medical men practising in the City:—
" Dear Sir,
"The Clerk of the Metropolitan Asylums Board has directed the attention of the
Corporation of London to the fact that at the present moment the demand for hospital
beds for the treatment of Diphtheria is so considerable that occasional delay in the
removal of patients arises as a consequence. The Medical Superintendents of the Asylums
Board have directed attention to the fact that recovery of patients is prejudiced by delay
in the use of anti-toxin and by its administration in doses which are altogether inadequate.
"In these circumstances it is suggested that I should inform Medical Practitioners
in the City that there is this probability of delay in removal of patients, and that they
should therefore take steps to ensure that anti-toxin is administered as early as possible.
"It may be of interest to state that the minimum commencing dose given in the
Board's Fever Hospitals is rarely less than 8,000 units.
" Yours faithfully,
" Medical Officer of Health."