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APPENDIX E.—LEAFLET ISSUED RELATING TO PRECAUTIONS WHICH
SHOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST INFLUENZA.
Corporation of London.
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INFLUENZA.
1. The golden rule is to keep fit, and avoid infection as much as possible.
2. The way to keep fit is to cultivate healthy and regular habits, to eat good food, and to avoid
fatigue, chill and alcoholism. Healthy living does not of itself ensure against attack, but it makes
the patient better able to withstand the complications which kill.
3. The early symptons of influenza are usually those of a severe feverish cold. Though the actual
cause of the disease is unknown, we do know that it is rapid in onset, that it is most infectious in its
early stages, and that it is spread by discharges from the mouth and nose, and that it kills mainly by its
complications. Every person suffering from the disease, no matter how mild the form, is a danger to others.
4. It is not always possible to avoid infection, but the risks can be lessened by—
(a) healthy living ;
(b) working and sleeping in well-ventilated rooms ;
(c) avoiding crowded gatherings and close, ill-ventilated rooms ;
(d) wearing warm clothing ;
(e) gargling the throat and washing out the nostrils ; *
(f) by wearing a †mask and glasses when nursing or in attendance on a person suffering from
influenza ;
5. Do not waste money on drugs in the false hope of preventing infection.
6. Those attacked should—
(a) go home, go to bed, and keep warm ;
(b) call in a doctor ;
(c) occupy, if possible, a separate bedroom or a bed that is screened off from the rest of
the room ;
(d) when coughing or sneezing hold a handkerchief in front of the mouth ; the handkerchief
should be boiled, or burnt if of paper ;
(e) use a gargle as described ;
(/) be careful during convalescence in order to avoid relapse or complications ;
(g) avoid meetings and places of entertainment for at least one week after the temperature
has become normal.
Any further information may be obtained by applying to—
THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH,
Public Health Department,
Guildhall, E.C.2.
* The following may be used as a gargle : —A solution of common salt (one teaspoonful to a pint of warm water) to which a few crystals of potassium
permanganate are added—enough to make the solution pink.
† The mask, which may be made of gauze (4 layers) or butter muslin (3 layers) should cover the mouth and nose. To protect the eyes it is advisable
to wear goggles.
*APPENDIX F.—POSTER ISSUED RELATING TO PRECAUTIONS WHICH
SHOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST INFLUENZA.
Corporation of London.
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
INFLUENZA.
In view of the fact that there may possibly be a recrudescence of Influenza during the forthcoming
months, employers and employees are requested to observe the precautionary measures which are set
out in the pamphlet recently distributed in the City.
Workers attacked with Influenza should at once be sent home.
When Influenza becomes prevalent it is desirable :—
(a) That workers suffering from even a slight attack of the disease, or from any form of
feverish cold, should remain at home, and
(b) That special care should be taken to ensure the adequate ventilation of workrooms and
living rooms. Draughts, however, which chill the body surface should be avoided.
There does not appear to be any necessity to disinfect rooms which have been occupied by patients
suffering from Influenza. Thorough flushing of the rooms with air and the generous use of
soap and water, and the washing of all articles which can be washed will suffice. Useless
litter should be burnt.
Infection is conveyed from the sick to the healthy by the secretions of the respiratory surfaces.
In the act of coughing or sneezing, or even in loud talking, this infection may be transmitted
through the air for considerable distances in the form of a fine spray.
Precautionary handbills for distribution among employees may be obtained on application as below.
Any further information may be obtained by applying to—
THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH,
Public Health Department,
Guildhall, E.C.2.
* The size of the poster was 22-in. by 17-in.