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93
APPENDIX G.
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 tit 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 symptoms 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 ;
(f) 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 lew 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.