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absence of diphtheria and the time required to determine this—
approximately 24 hours—may involve disastrous delay in commencing
treatment.
If there is in the mind of the patient's medical attendant a
reasonable suspicion of diphtheria, especially in the case of a
young child, the doctor may consider it advisable to commence
treatment at once, without waiting for the result of the swab
examination, by giving a precautionary dose of antitoxin. This can
do no harm, and it may be the means of saving life. It will
certainly curtail the period of hospital treatment and tend to avoid
serious and distressing complications.
THE SAD TOLL OF YOUNG LIVES.
During the past five years 1,584 children in East Ham have
had diphtheria, and of this number, 121 have died.
What a tragedy it is that so many parents have had to mourn
for their little ones! What a number of valuable citizens have
been lost to the community!
THESE CHILDREN NEED NOT HAVE HAD DIPHTHERIA.
Since the year 1929 the Council has provided free immunization
against diphtheria for all those who desire to avail themselves
of the opportunity.
This method of preventing diphtheria is founded on a sure
scientific basis and the protection afforded by the simple inoculations
is effective for several years. The child experiences no pain,
little inconvenience, and no after-effects.
Surely, three visits to the Immunization Clinic is a very small
price to pay for the knowledge that your child will not be confronted
with the perils of diphtheria and that you will never have
to endure the terror and anxiety experienced by parents whose
children have been afflicted with this disease.
During the period under review, 2,000 children have attended
for immunization. These Children are Protected. Is your
child one of the fortunate 2,000 ?
Not only are most young children susceptible to diphtheria,
but they are more liable than older children to take the disease in